How to protect your smartphone data if border agents ask for your phone

Reports say Chinese border agents are checking some smartphones for protest photos at the Hong Kong border

It looks like one of the most controversial policies of US border security is now being adopted by China: Searching through smartphones. Reports say Chinese border agents are requesting to check the phones of some Hongkongers suspected of joining anti-government protests.

Some of the city’s residents, both local and foreign, have been asked to hand in their phones for inspection when crossing the border into mainland China. 

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.