Can I use iPhone as a burner phone?

Question

Level 1

22 points

Can I use iPhone as a burner phone?

Our nonprofit organization is worried over the power US border guards have over digital devices and we want to avoid the awkward situation of us refusing to provide account information. We're an all Mac environment with staff using iPhones.

I'd like us to have a 'burner iPhone'. Basically a cheap/old iPhone that staff can pop their SIM card into, and then they travel with this iPhone into USA. The iPhone would not have any apps or contain any files. When staff arrive in USA, they can then download the apps they needed (e.g. Twitter, Google Drive, etc...).

Is this possible?

Or would the 'burner iPhone' for some reason automatically start syncing with the staff person's iPhone the moment the SIM card is popped in? (e.g. downloading apps, files, etc...)

Thanks!

Posted on Mar 9, 2017 8:34 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 9, 2017 8:57 AM in response to KiltedTim

Traditionally, that was the meaning of "burner phone." However, in the modern era, it can be used by anyone who wants to remain anonymous for any reason, not necessarily a criminal reason. And after the latest revelations by Wikileaks that can be almost anyone anywhere in the world. For example, the twitter accounts set up by some Executive branch staff members (e.g., @Rogue POTUS Staff) were probably created with burner phones. For advice on using burner phones see: https://theintercept.com/2017/02/20/how-to-run-a-rogue-government-twitter-accoun t-with-an-anonymous-email-address-and-a-…

I don't think a burner phone is needed for this purpose, however. As long as you don't mind being tracked an iPhone with nothing stored on it should be sufficient.

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

224,958 points

Mar 9, 2017 8:43 AM in response to prohnc

The SIM contains no data saved by the phone or linking it to a particular device. You are going to run into problems at some point when you try to download apps from the store serving one country from inside another country. At some point, the store will re-verify your account, checking the IP address, and since it will be in a country other than the one the store services, it will not let you download what you need.

The solution here should be obvious: Issue dumb phones. Do not attempt to transport sensitive information into the US that you don't want the Department of Homeland Security to see. If you have something incriminating to hide, do not attempt to enter the US.

Do you have an office in the US? Why not keep pre-loaded devices there. Your staff can enter the country, collect a device to use while in country from your office, then drop it off again before leaving. If you don't attempt to cross the border with it, there is nothing for DHS to inspect.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

224,958 points

Mar 9, 2017 9:02 AM in response to prohnc

By the way, I don't think you have a clear understanding of what a "burner phone" is... A "burner phone" is typically a very inexpensive device, used with a pre-paid service for short durations after which it is typically destroyed or disposed of. The intent is to provide a semi-clandestine, nearly untraceable method of communication for conducting illicit, if not criminal, acts.

By using the term 'burner phone', you are implying that you and your organization are criminals and are going to lengths to hide your activities.

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