Tech Risk Mitigation: Preparing for Device Search and Seizure

In an era of increasing digital surveillance and authoritarian crackdowns on press freedom, journalists face unprecedented risks when crossing borders, covering protests, or working in conflict zones. The search and seizure of electronic devices has become a primary tool for intimidation, source exposure, and censorship. Through real-life case studies and hands-on scenarios, this session will offer preventative measures, response protocols during seizure, and demystify what happens to seized devices: how they're unlocked, searched, what data is extracted, and potential worst-case scenarios.