US Customs Device Searches Surge; FCC Blocks 'Foreign Surveillance Chips'

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has seen a significant increase in device searches, with a more than 32% rise so far this year. This surge in examining travelers' cellphones and laptops at the border raises concerns about privacy and the scope of government surveillance.

In parallel, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has begun actively blocking electronic devices containing what it deems "foreign surveillance chips." This move, which grants the FCC new authority to prohibit gadgets from companies on national security threat lists, marks a proactive step in addressing potential security vulnerabilities embedded in consumer electronics.