As you say, these devices contain a lot of sensitive information. We should be very concerned. The law allows U.S. officers to collect anything they essentially want because there are no legal grounds for their actions. To be realistic, I made a distinction with Mr. Cullen about the law and the practice. Customs officers do not have the resources and cannot review the content of the devices of every traveller who comes across the border. That in a sense is an element of context, but as a matter of principle, I think it is right to say these devices contain a lot of very personal information, very sensitive information. When the law, including Canadian law, continues to treat the content of cellular devices as goods, as a cardboard box, as a piece of clothing, it is just not realistic.
On September 18th, 2017. See this statement in context.