A French scientist was denied entry into the United States after border agents found what they called “hateful and discriminatory messages” on his work devices. The episode took place at a US airport where immigration agents performed a routine scan of the scientist’s laptop and cell phone.
The content which was flagged contravened U.S. entry regulations covering national security and public safety, officials said. The scientist, whose name has not been made public, was due to take part in a leading international research conference in Boston.
Sources indicate the messages contained hate language directed at specific communities, triggering US authorities to act quickly. The scientist was interrogated for hours before he was deported to France on the earliest available flight.
The event has sparked controversy over privacy rights versus security concerns at international borders, particularly of personal and professional online content inspected during entry inspections.
