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Protecting US Citizens' Digital Data at Borders

This act aims to enhance digital privacy protection for US citizens when crossing borders. It limits border agents' ability to search phones and online accounts without a warrant and establishes clear rules for data access consent and retention. This gives citizens greater control over their digital information.
Key points
Border agencies cannot search electronic devices or online accounts of US citizens without a court warrant.
Citizens cannot be denied entry or exit, or delayed for more than 4 hours, for refusing to provide digital data without a warrant.
Exceptions are made for emergency situations (threat to life, national security, organized crime), but require a warrant to be obtained later.
Any data obtained unlawfully must be immediately destroyed and cannot be used as evidence.
The act requires written informed consent for data access, with full disclosure of citizen rights.
Agencies must keep detailed records of every instance of digital data access at the border and submit annual reports to Congress.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_5524
Sponsor: Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33]
Process start date: 2021-10-08
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Protecting Data at the Border Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_5524.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-10-08.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Border agencies cannot search electronic devices or online accounts of US citizens without a court warrant.
  • Citizens cannot be denied entry or exit, or delayed for more than 4 hours, for refusing to provide digital data without a warrant.
  • Exceptions are made for emergency situations (threat to life, national security, organized crime), but require a warrant to be obtained later.
  • Any data obtained unlawfully must be immediately destroyed and cannot be used as evidence.
  • The act requires written informed consent for data access, with full disclosure of citizen rights.
  • Agencies must keep detailed records of every instance of digital data access at the border and submit annual reports to Congress.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Security Migration