GrapheneOS Defends Data-Wiping Function That Blocked US Border Search
a day ago
- GrapheneOS developer defends the legality of its security features after an activist used a duress password to wipe his phone, blocking federal agents.
- Environmental activist Sam Tunick used a duress password on his GrapheneOS-equipped Pixel phone during a CBP search, wiping the device irreversibly.
- The US filed a criminal indictment against Tunick for allegedly destroying property under government control, potentially the first case targeting GrapheneOS.
- GrapheneOS offers features like an auto-reboot timer to protect data without needing a duress password, making data recovery impossible after wiping.
- The case reignites the debate between privacy and US investigatory powers, similar to past disputes with Apple and encryption backdoors.
- Tunick faces up to five years in prison; his lawyers argue constitutional rights were violated during the interrogation.