>mashing the power button 5 times on an iPhone disables all biometrics immediately, starts an audible siren countdown, and calls 911 if not dismissed
While you could do this before the police took position of the phone, it's important to point out that making any changes to the phone after it's in their possession, without permission, would be considered tampering with evidence.
So, disabling biometrics before going through TSA is probably OK. But mashing your finger five times on the power button when the police told you to unlock it will most likely result in some criminal charges.
You have to weigh the consequences. Let's say your phone has incontrovertible proof that you murdered someone, and you live in a state with the death penalty. The few years of prison you get for tampering with evidence is better than being executed, right? So it's still good to know.
> While you could do this before the police took position of the phone, it's important to point out that making any changes to the phone after it's in their possession, without permission, would be considered tampering with evidence.
It's obstruction either way.
Competent departments know to store the phone in a Faraday bag to prevent this, so it's not always an option in the first place.
While you could do this before the police took position of the phone, it's important to point out that making any changes to the phone after it's in their possession, without permission, would be considered tampering with evidence.
So, disabling biometrics before going through TSA is probably OK. But mashing your finger five times on the power button when the police told you to unlock it will most likely result in some criminal charges.