A Canadian man now faces jail time after he refused to unlock his BlackBerry for border officials at a Canadian airport. Alain Philippon, 38, of Ste-Anne-des-Plaines, Quebeck, refused to give his BlackBerry password to Canada Border Services Agency officers during a customs search at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Philippon was traveling back from the Dominican Republic when he refused officers request to unlock his BlackBerry.
Rob Currie, director of the Law and Technology Institute at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, told CBC this is the first time this question will be litigated in Canada.
The case should be very interesting to watch. We do not know why the customs officials wanted to see inspect the BlackBerry. Was their some suggestion it was used in a crime? Were the officers just trying to impose their will on Mr. Philippon?
Philippon is due back in court in May when he will fight the charges.
Philippon told local media he would fight the charges, saying that he refused to provide the password because his smartphone data is “personal.”
Rob Currie, director of the Law and Technology Institute at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, told CBC this is the first time this question will be litigated in Canada.
“This is a question that has not been litigated in Canada, whether they can actually demand you to hand over your password to allow them to unlock the device."
The case should be very interesting to watch. We do not know why the customs officials wanted to see inspect the BlackBerry. Was their some suggestion it was used in a crime? Were the officers just trying to impose their will on Mr. Philippon?
Philippon is due back in court in May when he will fight the charges.