I'm not even sure how much practical difference there is between 5 and indefinite in practice, 5 years is a long time. I imagine it is pretty life-destroying. Especially for the crime of having something on your phone that you want to keep private.

> If it’s not about nation security or CSAM, it’s two.

I am sure we all get what you mean, but there is a comic interpretation in vaguely-Soviet style here where if someone hasn't done anything wrong they only get 2 years. I'm going to spend some time this weekend making sure my encryption is plausibly deniable where possible.

I'm sure China could find some judges to rule in the name of national security if it would give everyone warm fuzzies.

Judicial checks and balances only function when they're independent of the executive and parliament

Under the present administration I wouldn't be surprised if for example ICE tried the $5 wrench method.

This is not totally true. It is also a US issue: CBP has been asking for passwords (or to unlock the device) for phones and computers for more than a year now. Last year, multiple people got turned around because they disagreed with US policies and political views that differ from those of the US's current president.

https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/security.png

Yes, and I think this unfortunately demands a grey area. I'm starting to treat my smartphone more like a work device, and there are a few things I do on it:

- My work's authenticator app is there.

- Unfortunately Signal is tied to smartphone usage.

- Practically speaking, people will expect to be able to send you text messages.

- It's still useful for taking pictures.

- My banking app is on there.

Outside of rare occasions, that's really all I use my phone for. I don't carry it around the house. If I go somewhere with my wife, I don't even bring my phone most of the time. I'm "required" to have it, but in principle it's not even mine. It shouldn't be trusted or enjoyed.