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Comment by null0pointer | Hacker News Reader

On iPhone at least when you restart the phone it forces you to use the passcode to unlock the first time. I believe in the US passcodes are protected by the 5th amendment whereas face id or fingerprints are not. So while you can be compelled to unlock your phone with biometrics, you cannot be compelled with the passcode. Your milage may vary in other jurisdictions.

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And what is the implication for refusing in both cases, passcode vs biometrics? Is one likely to land you in hotter-water than the other due to the 5th protection?

I also presume as a foreigner none of these protections would apply anyway?

If I understand it correctly, refusing either one could land you in detention (or jail) - law enforcement officers have a pretty broad ability to detain people for lawful investigations (or, what they beleive are lawful investigations). The difference is that you'd be released after refusing a passcode (but possibly having to appear in front of a judge with a lawyer), whereas the court could hold you in contempt (and jail) for refusing biometrics.

I think the strategy would be to not use biometrics at all.

As a foreigner, you still have rights. It is still US soil. You haven’t done anything illegal by asking to enter with your stuff, but you’ll probably be refused entry and maybe have your phone seized anyway meanwhile a US citizen would be allowed in, but might still be without their phone.

I think you’re in-the-clear long-term if you asked to “withdraw your entry request into the USA”. At least that’s the advice I’ve heard if they ask start asking about any drug use history, if you have any, so that you’re not lying but also don’t get yourself banned from entering later.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/canada/pot-use-admission-at-u-...

Same with Android (at least recent versions).

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