The US government is charging Sam Tunick with destroying property after he allegedly used a 'duress password' to wipe his phone during an airport search.

Tunick’s lawyers argue that the detention was unlawful and intended as a pretext for investigating his connection to local activism. The case highlights growing tensions between technology, privacy, and border security.

The incident occurred at Hartsfield-Jackson airport in Atlanta on January 24th, 2025, where Tunick faced questioning over child exploitation content. However, his lawyers contend that the search violated his rights by denying him access to a lawyer and failing to produce a warrant.

Privacy advocates see this as a broader issue, warning of rising authoritarianism and the need for data protection in an increasingly surveilled society.

The case could set a precedent on how far governments can go in accessing personal devices without due process. With travel becoming more scrutinised post-Trump, Tunick’s plight resonates with many who fear their privacy might be their greatest vulnerability at borders.