# Activist charged with felony after using 'duress code' to wipe phone data Samuel Tunick faces federal charges for erasing his phone data during a border inspection. - **Source:** [Ars Technica - All content](https://brifing.si/source/b728770c-8dda-457a-8986-84879c9fc42c) - **Published:** 2026-07-27 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c2d97398-eeaa-4152-bf89-1bba2005f2dc ## The incident begins Samuel Tunick was stopped by US customs officers upon returning from an international trip. Officers demanded access to his Pixel phone running GrapheneOS. Instead of handing over his data, Tunick used a feature of the software to wipe all his data. This action led to federal charges. The first hearing occurred last week, where government attorneys claimed Tunick underwent a standard secondary inspection. ## Connection to activism Tunick was a member of the Defend the Atlanta Forest group, which opposed the construction of a large law enforcement training facility known as 'Cop City.' His lawyers allege he was placed on a watchlist due to his activism and that Customs and Border Protection discussed detaining him for 'suspected terrorism activities.' This raises suspicions about targeting. ## Role of GrapheneOS GrapheneOS is a security and privacy-focused Android-based operating system. The 'duress code' feature allows users to quickly erase all data. Such tools are popular among activists and journalists. Authorities argue these features can conceal illegal activities. In Tunick's case, it led to federal charges. ## Legal process and claims Tunick faces federal charges for 'data destruction.' The government claims he obstructed data access. His lawyers argue he exercised constitutional rights and was targeted for activism. The transparency of watchlisting is also under scrutiny during hearings. ## Privacy vs. security debate Tunick's case reignites the debate between digital privacy and state surveillance. While activism is legal, monitoring activists draws criticism. Authorities emphasize national security needs for data access. This case tests the limits of US privacy laws. ## Cop City protests The Cop City project in Atlanta has faced backlash from locals and activists. The project involves a massive police training facility. Protesters cite environmental concerns and fears of increased police violence. Tunick's group has been at the forefront, making the project a political symbol. ## International reactions Tunick's case has drawn attention from human rights groups, criticizing US policies toward activists. The criminalization of digital privacy has sparked global debate. Some countries are considering new laws to protect citizens in similar situations. Tunick's case is central to these discussions. ## Implications and outcomes Tunick's case highlights the intersection of digital rights and activism. The outcome could set a precedent. Recognizing activism as legal and protecting digital privacy are crucial for democratic societies. The hearings continue to raise awareness, potentially shaping US legal and political landscapes. ## Sources covering this story - https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/07/activist-charged-with-felony-after-giving-border-agent-duress-code-that-wiped-his-phone/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._