The European Commission is now normalizing the usage of burner phones for its officials during foreign trips to the United States. This comes during a time where phone searches become increasingly common for foreigners attempting to enter the U.S.
A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed on Tuesday that it does provide “burner phones” to top officials, but denied a report that the practice was new and connected to a recent security appraisal of the risks when visiting the United States.
It follows the Financial Times reporting that the European Union’s executive had issued new guidance stressing increased risks of surveillance when traveling to the United States, amid several scandals regarding U.S. treatment of individuals transiting its borders.
Burner phones — disposable devices often used in increased threat environments to reduce the risks to the user if the device is seized and compromised — are typically advised for individuals travelling to countries such as China.
The suggestion that the United States under the Trump administration is being seen as a similarly risky environment prompted concern from onlookers who noted apparently deteriorating transatlantic relations as well as ongoing court cases related to U.S. border enforcement.
As the FT reported, senior EU officials have been advised to turn off their mobile phones when crossing the border and to use protective sleeves, presumably Faraday pouches, to guard their devices from interference.
The European Commission was reported to be especially concerned about its officials being targeted when visiting the United States next week for meetings related to the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund.
I never imagined that travelling to the US is starting to be like travelling to the PRC for some folks 