Will airport security (Australia specifically) check for pirated content? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by Andiama@lemmy.world to c/piracy@lemmy.dbzer0.com

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Indonesian moving to Australia soon, I'm just concerned my laptop/phone will be checked for pirated content.

The general rule of thumb I've seen around the internet is "encrypt your drive", which is easy enough. But the other approach typically says "bring a burner phone / laptop" which of course isn't viable in my case.

Can anyone confirm on the legitimacy of these claims? I know I pirate light (""light"" compared to the vets here), but I'm just so paranoid that I could be held up and sent back home, because this might be my only shot.

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[-] bobs_monkey@lemm.ee 9 points 1 year ago

Anecdotal, and obligatory from the US, but I've never heard of airport security searching electronic devices for illegal content, even when I've travelled abroad. Hell, nowadays we just stick our weed in a carryon bag and TSA doesn't bat an eye, most security agents in any airport I've been through are more concerned about weapons and explosives. Maybe if you get flagged for a deep inspection, but their more likely to inspect your bum than a hard drive in my experience. But that this with a grain of salt from a rando on the internet.

[-] jonesy@lemmy.ml 18 points 1 year ago

Yeah, this is good advice for US domestic flights, but customs is a whole different ballgame.

[-] 3ntranced@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

I worked within an international terminal (KORD) and have taken hundreds of people through customs. I can safely say there has never been an instance where digital media is accessed, even in secondary which you're brought to for further assessment when under suspicion. Only thing I've seen is accessing recent calls for passengers suspected of lying on their visa and being in contact with relatives; but if their phone is locked they can't do jack.

Without rambling too much, unless you're like actively commiting some type of criminal import activity, no border agent will care what you have.