Disclosed: Travelers’ Laptops Can be Confiscated at U.S. Borders Without Reason

The Washington Post plays the chilling story on its front page, noting that U.S. “federal agents may take a traveler’s laptop or other electronic device to an off-site location for an unspecified period of time without any suspicion of wrongdoing.”

The policy has been in place for a while, but the Department of Homeland Security disclosed it now in response to “public interest in the matter.” At least one lawsuit had been filed. The policy applies to U.S. and foreign citizens, and allows the contents of confiscated laptops or other devices—iPods and cell phones included—to be shared with “private entities.” It’s all, of course, in the name of preventing terrorism.

At least one lawmaker plans to challenge the policy. Sen. Russ Feingold says he’ll introduce legislation to add boundaries to border searches. “The policies,” he says, “are truly alarming.”

Indeed.

Related on World Hum:
* Lawsuit Questions Searches of Travelers’ Laptops, Digital Devices*
* U.S. Airports are Hotbeds for Laptop Loss

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