Do you think your cell phone is the same as a briefcase?

Do you think your cell phone is the same as a briefcase?

Yes most people do expect different requests and behaviour at the border but still expect some right to privacy. Most of us would agree with the 2014 ruling

It was decided that for a search to be lawful in such scenarios, there would have to be a relevant law enforcement purpose for the search, the search could not be indiscriminate, and officers would be required to take detailed notes on what was searched and how.

To me it reflects the dichotomy of phone ownership. The suppliers (carrier and manufacturers) make all sorts of restrictive claims on the device regardless of whether we buy them outright or on a plan. As shown by the Note 7 episode - many people have control over your device that can make it into an expensive paperweight. This gives weight to the argument that a mobile phone is a "good" for the purposes of the customs act.

Something to watch.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/lawyers-canada-warrantless-smartphone-searches-customs-act-1.4247036