US Prosecutes Citizen for Using Duress Password to Wipe Phone

Sam Tunick, a US citizen, is facing charges for allegedly providing federal agents with a ‘duress password’ that wiped his phone when they tried to seize it at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport on January 24th, 2025.

According to a motion filed by Tunick’s lawyers, the government is using a rarely-used statute that makes it illegal to destroy or damage property to stop authorities from seizing it. They claim that Tunick used a feature of the privacy-focused GrapheneOS to wipe his phone by giving authorities a duress password, instead of the actual passcode to unlock the phone.

The defense has argued that the detention and seizure were unlawful, and therefore all evidence should be tossed. They also argue that agents refused him access to a lawyer, did not provide a warrant, or inform him of his legal rights.

Tunick’s attorneys claim that the detention was a pretext for a fishing expedition into his connections to the Stop Cop City movement in Atlanta. The movement has been a source of controversy in recent years, with some accusing its members of being involved in violent activities.

Marlon Kautz, a member of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, told the Guardian earlier this week that, “we all have a right to secure our private data against unconstitutional searches. And we should — especially in a time of rising authoritarianism.”

Background on the Stop Cop City Movement

The Stop Cop City movement has been a source of controversy in recent years, with some accusing its members of being involved in violent activities. The movement has been centered around opposition to the construction of a new police training facility in Atlanta’s South River Forest.

Protesters have argued that the facility will lead to increased police presence and violence in the area. However, some have accused the movement of being a front for more extreme and violent groups.

The controversy surrounding the movement has led to increased scrutiny of its members, including Sam Tunick. His lawyers claim that the government’s actions were a pretext for targeting him for his connections to the movement.

The Importance of Protecting Private Data

Marlon Kautz’s comments highlight the importance of protecting private data against unconstitutional searches. The case of Sam Tunick has brought attention to the need for individuals to secure their data against government overreach.

Most agree that the only way to protect your data is to delete it. However, this approach is not always feasible, especially for individuals who rely on their devices for work or other important activities.

As technology continues to advance, the importance of protecting private data will only continue to grow. The case of Sam Tunick serves as a reminder of the need for individuals to take control of their own data and protect it against government overreach.