Laptops and border crossings...
Just a reminder to all nomads entering and leaving the U.S.A. - customs agents can search anything... including the contents of your laptop or your digital camera.
From ArsTechnica article -
Can border agents search your laptop? Yes.
7/27/2006 11:27:13 AM, by Nate Anderson
The CNET Police Blotter offers a few more details.
Police blotter: Laptop border searches OK'd
By Declan McCullagh Staff Writer, CNET News.com -->
Published: July 26, 2006, 5:06 PM PDT
From ArsTechnica article -
Can border agents search your laptop? Yes.
7/27/2006 11:27:13 AM, by Nate Anderson
"The court argued that the forensic analysis [of the laptop's hard drive] fell under the "border search exception to the warrant requirement." This exception was established by United States v. Montoya de Hernandez in 1985, and says that "the government may conduct routine searches of persons entering the United States without probable cause, reasonable suspicion, or a warrant." The court goes on to note that international airports count as border terminals, even if not physically located on a US border." --emphasis added
The CNET Police Blotter offers a few more details.
Police blotter: Laptop border searches OK'd
By Declan McCullagh Staff Writer, CNET News.com -->
Published: July 26, 2006, 5:06 PM PDT
What: A business traveler protests the warrantless search and seizure of his laptop by Homeland Security at the U.S.-Canada border.
When: 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rules on July 24.
Outcome: Three-judge panel unanimously says that border police may conduct random searches of laptops without search warrants or probable cause. These searches can include seizing the laptop and subjecting it to extensive forensic analysis. - emphasis added
As an interesting aside, how much longer until the RIAA and entertainment industry figure out a way to search all media entering and leaving the country?..



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