GrapheneOS Defends Data-Wiping Function That Blocked US Border Search
GrapheneOS is defending its 'duress password' feature after an activist used it to wipe his phone during a border search. The developers argue that the feature is legal and that weakening security protections would be unconstitutional.
<p>The developer of an ultra-secure version of Android, <a href="https://www.pcmag.com/news/this-privacy-first-android-software-is-looking-to-expand-beyond-pixel-devices" target="_self">Graphene OS</a>, is defending its approach after an activist used the operating system's data-wiping feature to erase his phone and block federal agents from searching the device. </p><p>"GrapheneOS is completely legal. We have no obligation to weaken any of the security protections it provides," the software developer <a href="https://x.com/GrapheneOS/status/2081770030992118183" target="_blank" title="(Opens in a new tab)">tweeted</a> on Monday. "Laws attempting to make it illegal or require weakening the security would be unconstitutional."</p><p>At issue is an Atlanta-based environmental activist named Sam Tunick, who had the free GrapheneOS software installed on his Pixel phone. In January 2025, US Customs agents demanded the device's password during a search at the airport. Tunick's lawyers claim the agents "never read him his Miranda rights," and ignored his request to speak with a lawyer. When Tunick provided a password for his phone, it was actually a "<a href="https://grapheneos.org/features#duress" target="_blank" title="(Opens in a new tab)">duress password</a>" that irreversibly wipes a device when entered.</p><div class="mb-0 rounded-md bg-gray-100 p-3 md:p-5" id="related-video">
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