So something like 0.01% of travellers get their phones searched. How are those 0.01% selected?
> The agency does not provide information on the success rate for searches, but has said a phone would only be seized where officers suspected it had “special forfeited goods” such as “illegal pornography, terrorism-related material and media that has been, or would be, refused classification”.
Also consider Australians who travel and return home. I have personally had my phone searched 3 times. I know many people who also have the same experience. One time I refused and let them keep the phone, just bought a new iPhone and restored it. Since then I was searched almost every time I went through the airport.
After refusing to hand over the code (Politely... I explained that no, there is no terrorism material or similar on my phone, I just object to this practice, which they could not comprehend) I was treated pretty aggressively, had my whole body searched (not strip searched, but groped very well all over), all my luggage taken apart etc.
> I have personally had my phone searched 3 times.
I think it's safe to say the first time got you on a shit list.
So what triggered the first time?
Where were you flying from? Are there any other factors that while not at all indicators of guilt, might make them [suspect] you?
It could have been simple racial profiling or it might be context (ie a lone 60 year old dude travelling from Thailand or the Philippines). Like I said neither of these is a sign of guilt but they may cause/contribute to suspicion.
3.3m visitors in March 2024 alone.
So something like 0.01% of travellers get their phones searched. How are those 0.01% selected?
> The agency does not provide information on the success rate for searches, but has said a phone would only be seized where officers suspected it had “special forfeited goods” such as “illegal pornography, terrorism-related material and media that has been, or would be, refused classification”.
One wonders how such a suspicion is formed.