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

Travel Blog  •  Michael Yessis  •  08.01.08 | 11:07 AM ET

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

Tags: Air Travel, Airworld, Travel and Security, News and Briefs


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

Bill 08.01.08 | 6:56 PM ET

Another indication of the Republicans and their leader Bush are trying to take
away our freedoms and make America a police state..

pam 08.02.08 | 2:10 PM ET

As soon as I read this story in the news, I wrote to my federal reps. I really hope everyone does the same.

As a (sometimes) travel writer, the idea of having my digital media confiscated at the border = taking my money. Seriously. And while there are work arounds, anyone who’s tried uploading a full size photo from an Internet cafe in Vietnam knows that you can’t always count on a connection that meets your needs.

It’s easy to find your reps, just google “contact congress.”

Nicaragua Surf 08.04.08 | 4:32 PM ET

This is scary stuff. The last thing I need is someone banging on my laptop.

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