United States Customs and Border Protection is looking for digital forensics tools that can analyze text messages, images, videos, and contacts from seized devices. The tools must identify hidden languages and specific objects in visual content and access encrypted apps. CBP has increased device searches significantly since 2015, searching over 47,000 devices recently. A request for information indicates a vendor will be contracted in 2026 to enhance CBP's capabilities. Incidents of travelers being questioned and their devices searched have raised concerns over privacy and civil liberties.
United States Customs and Border Protection is requesting tech companies to provide digital forensics tools for analyzing data from electronic devices at the border.
The agency seeks tools that can identify hidden languages in text messages and specific objects in videos, and access encrypted messaging app chats.
CBP's digital forensics program aims to modernize capabilities, having increased electronic device searches from over 8,500 in 2015 to more than 47,000 in 2022.
An incident involving a Lebanese professor highlights the CBP's practice of searching devices and questioning travelers about their beliefs and intentions.
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