U.S. Using Advanced Technology to Search Crew Members’ Phones for Illegal Content

The Norwegian Seafarers’ Union has issued a warning to crew after reports of seafarers being deported from the United States and losing their C1/D visas. The union said that U.S. authorities are using advanced technology to scan seafarers’ phones, devices, and online activity for illegal digital content, including child sexual abuse material.

According to the update, several crew members have already been detained on arrival, refused entry, and banned from the U.S. In one case, a seafarer received a five-year ban after forensic checks revealed membership in Telegram groups linked to illegal content, even though no explicit material was found on his device. Others have faced deportation and even criminal charges.

Platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp are being closely monitored, and background checks are conducted in cooperation with other countries. The union stressed that simply being in a suspicious group or clicking on a link could cost seafarers their visa, career, and freedom.

Crew members are advised to immediately leave and report any group sharing sexual or abusive material, block contacts, and notify supervisors or authorities. Failure to act could result in deportation, visa cancellation, and long-term bans from the U.S.