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The problem here is that they confiscate regardless. Even when it's very clear they do not have the means to break the encryption at all. Any excuse, reasonable or not, will dissatisfy them and they'll confiscating either permanently or temporarily (both seem to have happened).

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It seems to me that the best option is to keep sensitive data on encrypted removable storage devices while having light security on the internal storage of a laptop or phone.

Access could then be granted to the laptop/phone, but refused for the external storage device. You want to indefinitely detain my $20 SD card if I won't give you the password? That's not a sufficient threat to convince me.

They could also refuse entry or detain you if your not a citizen for obstruction of justice.

These laws that give border security unfettered search and seizure authority along with issuing punishment for non-compliance is the problem.

I agree, the laws are the problem. I can't do a whole lot to change the laws, and I am a citizen of the country I think is most likely to try something like that, so the technical solution is really all I have. So far, I have not had to employ it.

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