Wyden, Paul Introduce Bill Barring Warrantless Device Searches at Border

Bipartisan legislation introduced Thursday would stop law enforcement from using border search exceptions to conduct warrantless searches of Americans’ phones, laptops and other electronics devices. Introduced by Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rand Paul, R-Ky., the Protecting Data at the Border Act would provide statutory clarity, extending rights awarded in Riley v. California. Law enforcement would be required to disclose to U.S. entrants their rights before giving up online account information or before they allow access to their devices. Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., is introducing companion legislation in the House.