Re: Current law on airport computer searches

[richard]

On Mon, 7 Sep 2009 20:33:20 +0000 (UTC), i wrote:

> What is the current state of the law regarding Customs goons searching
> you laptop or other computer storage devices and/or copying files, etc.
> Also if I encrypt my data can they legally confiscate the computer or
> storage medium until I hand over the keys? Inquiring minds want to know.

Read this
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/admissibility/labtop_inspect.xml

While they can do so legally, your chances of getting hit by a lightning
bolt are probably lower.

You figure that if they inspected each and every laptop thoroughly, no one
would dare bring one in.

If you're that damn worried about your data, get a website, post your stuff
to it and let them look all they want. There are also several online
storage places that will let you back up your entire hard drive.

[Keith]

On Mon, 7 Sep 2009 20:33:20 +0000 (UTC), i <i...@i.net> wrote:

>What is the current state of the law regarding Customs goons searching
>you laptop or other computer storage devices and/or copying files, etc.
>Also if I encrypt my data can they legally confiscate the computer or
>storage medium until I hand over the keys? Inquiring minds want to know.

Yes, they can search and copy your computer HD or storage device and
demand your password or key. They can confiscate your computer until you
comply with their search, just like they can confiscate a car to search
it. When they search your car they can take a crow bar and rip it open to
find any contraband. Your only option is to encrypt your confidential data
and store it on a server for later retrieval and securely wipe your data
on the HD so that it can not be recovered.
Many businesses now do this because foreign governments can also do this
and they don't have the security protocols that the US customs does. But
they still can't trust US customs because one rogue agent can steal all
their trade secrets and commercial data then sell it to a interested
party.
Besides do you want someone else having access to your private email or
credit or bank account information if you are just Joe Consumer?
--
Best Regards, Keith
http://home.comcast.net/~kilowattradio/

[richard]

Do you really believe what they show on tv crime shows?
Uh no they can't legally take a crow bar to your car without a proper
search warrant.
Yes they can properly dismantle in a manner that it can be restored to it's
former condition.

There was a case a few years back where a fuel tank truck had been
impounded by border patrol for some reason. It sat there a few days. The
agents couldn't understand why each time the drug sniffing dog passed it,
he went nuts. When it was supposed to be full of fuel. So they got a
warrant. They found out how much it should weigh with full fuel. When the
weight didn't match, they opened it. It was full of bags of drugs.

Contrary to Hollywood law, real officers can not strip a car anyway they
damn well choose.

[i]

On 07 Sep 2009, you wrote in misc.legal:

> On Mon, 7 Sep 2009 20:33:20 +0000 (UTC), i wrote:
>
>> What is the current state of the law regarding Customs goons
>> searching you laptop or other computer storage devices and/or copying
>> files, etc. Also if I encrypt my data can they legally confiscate the
>> computer or storage medium until I hand over the keys? Inquiring
>> minds want to know.
>
> Read this
> http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/admissibility/labtop_inspect.xml

From that url: "And finally, to allay any concerns the business community
or others may have that their personal or trade information might be put at
risk by traveling with their laptops, I urge you to look at our track
record. Every day, thousands of commercial entry documents, shipping
manifests, container content lists, and detailed pieces of company
information are transmitted to CBP so we can effectively process entries
and screen cargo shipments bound for the United States. This information is
closely guarded and governed by strict privacy procedures. Information from
passenger laptops or other electronic devices is treated no differently.

Our Customs and Border Protection officers are trained professionals with a
defined mission, and they have neither the time nor the desire to search
travelers� personal belongings for any reason other than to ensure
compliance with our customs and related laws and to protect the United
States. As the policy�s provisions make abundantly clear, officers are
subject to numerous policy restrictions regarding the retention, sharing,
and scrutiny of travelers� documents and information."

BullSHIT! Numerous tv expos on crooked customs agents have shown the true
nature of their character-many on the take from drug cartels. I personally
have been harassed by them, but interestingly their attitude changes
quickly when I have a travel companion as a witness-then it is "hands off".

Also numerous reports of individuals being harassed and having their civil
rights violated by these goons. They have too long enjoyed too much power.
Anyone who thinks that they are going to protect us from terrorists does
not recognize how incompetent the Federal Government is and how they
ALLOWED the 911 people to attack us by their incompetence and neglect.
Could you be one of these pigs?

<snip>

[Roy]

i wrote:
> What is the current state of the law regarding Customs goons searching
> you laptop or other computer storage devices and/or copying files, etc.
> Also if I encrypt my data can they legally confiscate the computer or
> storage medium until I hand over the keys? Inquiring minds want to know.

Try this one

http://www.pcworld.com/article/171101/dhs_clarifies_laptop_border_crossing_rules_what_you_need_to_know.html?tk=nl_cox_h_cbintro

[edward johnson]

You have to fit a profile, which is, a man from 30-60 single. It
happened to me. TSA searched my lap using somthimg called encase they
went into my deleted files. When I went to get my luggade the laptop was
not there. I reported to the airline and filed a claim. Two weeks later
I got a call from the airline that they had found it. It did not work so
I took in in for repair, I have luggage insurance. Best buy stated that
all storage had been removed. I again called the airline, They said call
tsa I did. After months of back and forth my lawyer found out that tsa
had profiled me and did a forenic check
of my computer. They found nothing but said that I used something
called evidence eliminator, I never heard of it. They were thinking of
charging with destruction of evidence. My law stated that I never used
any program like that. I got the hard drive back everthing I ever
deleted was on the hard drive. Best buy stated that somebody did an
extensive search, and the tech. could swear that this evidence
eliminator was not used. Come to find out tsa is not responsible for
anything some other law enforcement did this and I can not find out who
it was to sue. Apparently they found nothing. there was nothing to find
The insurance co bought me a new lap top no questions asked which is
strange for an insurance co. But just think of all my personal and
business info they got. I wish I knew what they were looking for, does
anyone have a cule.