GrapheneOS phone auto-wipes at airport, user faces federal charges
Original: US citizen charged after GrapheneOS phone wipes during airport search
Why This Matters
The case could set a precedent criminalizing privacy-focused security tools and OS features used by millions worldwide.
US federal prosecutors charged Atlanta resident Sam Tunick after his GrapheneOS phone wiped itself when agents demanded his passcode at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on January 24, 2025. Prosecutors allege he intentionally destroyed evidence; his defense argues constitutional violations occurred.
The US Department of Justice is prosecuting Atlanta resident Sam Tunick under a federal statute criminalizing destruction of property to prevent seizure. The incident occurred on January 24, 2025, when Tunick returned from the Dominican Republic and was stopped at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Court testimony revealed federal agents had already flagged Tunick internally over alleged ties to the anti-Cop City protest movement under 'suspected terrorism activities.' Agents questioned him in a secondary screening room, repeatedly demanding he unlock his phone. According to a defense motion, Tunick requested legal counsel four times and was denied each time, and agents presented no warrant nor read him his rights. When he eventually provided a passcode, the phone's screen went blank and restarted, wiping its data — a built-in GrapheneOS security feature. Prosecutors are treating the wipe as intentional evidence destruction. Cybersecurity expert Christophe Boutry and EFF senior staff technologist Bill Buddington both stated they had not seen a similar case before. 'It's concerning – and sends the message that GrapheneOS is criminal by default,' Boutry said. Government attorneys described the airport encounter as a routine inspection. The defense argues the search violated Tunick's constitutional rights.