Mobile Devices May be Seized at U.S. Border
Keeping your data safe and secure from hackers is one thing, keeping your data safe and secure while crossing the border into the United States just got a whole lot harder. In a recently disclosed policy from the U.S. department of Homeland Security dated July 16, border guards have the authority to seize anyone’s laptop entering the U.S. without a warrant or even probable cause.
The details of the policy state that officers may “detain” laptops, iPods, cameras, cell phone, flash drives or any other device that can store information “for a reasonable period of time” to “review and analyze information.” This can take place “absent individualized suspicion.” Contents can be reviewed by other government agencies and private entities for language translation, data decryption or other reasons.
Officials from DHS say the policy has been in place for sometime but was made public do to public interest in the matter. Officials added that these new measure are necessary to prevent terrorism.
Sadly the policy doesn’t stop at electronic devices it also covers video and audio tapes printed material and written documentation including books, pamphlets and “written materials commonly referred to as ‘pocket trash’ or ‘pocket litter.’ ”
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff wrote in an opinion piece published last month in USA Today that “the most dangerous contraband is often contained in laptop computers or other electronic devices.” Searches have uncovered “violent jihadist materials” as well as images of child pornography, he wrote.
In an article posted on the popular technology website CNET.com Chris Soghoian wrote on ways of protecting your information while traveling across the border. However it now appears trying any of his suggestions such as encrypting the data on your laptop or wiping the hard drive clean before traveling will only arouse suspicion with custom agents and in all likely hood end up having your device detained.
“The policies . . . are truly alarming,” said Sen. Russell Feingold (D-Wis.). The intention is to introduce legislation that would require “reasonable suspicion for border searches, as well as prohibit profiling on race, religion or national origin.”
The legislation may already be to late according to Deputy Commissioner Jayson P. Ahern. He says that the policy “do not infringe on Americans’ privacy.” He noted that the executive branch has long had “plenary authority to conduct routine searches and seizures at the border without probable cause or a warrant” to prevent drugs and other contraband from entering the country.
With every illegal laptop and iPod seized, society marches closer to a fascist state. Misinformed and uneducated citizens willingly give up their liberties for the illusion of freedom. In reality, liberty and freedom are one in the same, by giving up one you trade both.
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[...] see this already taking place at the borders into the U.S. Border guards have the authority to seize travelers computers, iPods, cameras or any other device that can store information without a warrant for a [...]