U.S. Confiscating Data at the Border

PizzaFace writes "U.S. Customs agents have long had broad authority to examine the things a person tries to bring into the country, to prevent the importation of contraband. The agents can conduct their searches without a warrant or probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. In recent years, Customs agents have begun using their authority to insist on copying data brought to the border on laptop computers, cell phones and other devices. The government claims that this intelligence-gathering by Customs is the same as looking in a suitcase. In response the EFF is filing a lawsuit attempting to force the government to reveal its policies on border searches. 'The question of whether border agents have a right to search electronic devices at all without suspicion of a crime is already under review in the federal courts. The lawsuit was inspired by some two dozen cases, 15 of which involved searches of cellphones, laptops, MP3 players and other electronics.'"

Copyright

[Anonymous Coward]

Backup a few of your CDs onto your laptop, and when Customs copies the data, tip off the RIAA. Let them fight with each other.

Sick the RIAA on 'em!

[the_skywise]

Obviously they're just trying to steal MP3s!

I had an insightful reply typed up...

[Dog-Cow]

But it was confiscated.

Copying my mp3's...

[downix]

**calls up RIAA**
Hey, you want to know the biggest mp3 copying racket inside the US?.....

Re:Seriously..

[Barryke]

Use bigger fonts. only guards out of shouting range would see its actually porn.

Re:TrueCrypt

[Yetihehe]

3. Here's the encrypted data, it's a copy of my tax forms for 2006. There is no hidden partition.

4. Holds hand before custom: You: This is not the partition you are looking for Custom: This is not the partition we are looking for.

Re:Seriously..

[presarioD]

carry on citizen! Nothing to see here, the elections(R)[patent pending trademark of Diebold co.] are coming up so you can choose a candidate(TM)[owned by classified (for national security reasons) interests] by pressing an appropriate button at the Diebold Electronic Voting Machine(TM)and provided you've chosen wisely [Diebold co. safeguards your democracy and freedom(TM) for you] there will be the necessary voicing of your concerns about this issue. Once it gets properly acknowledged (>/dev/null) you will be notified. In the meanwhile, abstain from alcohol, pray to Jesus, don't touch children/gay/lesbian people, and don't be a teRRist hating america and our freedom and democracy(TM). We appreciate your business and looking forward to serving you again! Have a nice day!

The above response is an automated response generated by our Complains Department Internet Crawling Machine. You have received this reply because your post scored +5 in the Homeland Security Dissatisfaction Scale(TM). Federal regulations require us to notify you that positive Homeland Security Dissatisfaction Scale(TM) Scores are automatically recorded along with your Unique ID (under Save America From Teh Internets Act anonymity on the internet has been eliminated for your...(stifling a laugh) protection). You might/will receive a notification and/or visit by DHS officers for an interview in order to clarify if you pose a threat to our way of life(TM) and to the safety of our society (silent "sieg heil" salutation in the background).

They're just making a backup for you...

[Loibisch]

They're not confiscating your data, they're just trying to help by creating an off-site backup for you. So if your harddrive goes kaboom you can go to the customs office, ask them nicely and they will hand over a copy of the data you had with you at your arrival.

Aren't they a nice bunch?

Job Opportunity

[fahrbot-bot]

Flash drive mule.

Re:Seriously..

[utnapistim]

"Son, every election is between a turd and a douchebag."

Re:Seriously..

[Anonymous Coward]

Gestapo did not confiscate anyone's laptops or MP3 players.

Re:Seriously..

[Barryke]

People like you should experience some European countries firsthand.

Please tag usbbuttplug

[sakdoctor]

Thanks

Re:Seriously..

[networkBoy]

that's because we're still working on "as good as Canada".

Re:Seriously..

[Hoi Polloi]

Oh yah? Well Iran and Afghanistan are better than living on the moon. There isn't any air on the moon. So if you like breathing air you'd better shutup and stop complaining!

Re:Seriously..

[Intron]

Aren't you aware of the obesity problem in this country?

That's a terrible idea.
Unless it's Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup, then ok.

Re:Seriously..

[compro01]

in which case you're a sith as you're dealing in absolutes. ;)

Re:Same as this?

[Buran]

When customs searches my bag, they don't get to keep anything form it unless there is something legal there.

You got THAT right.

Re:Seriously..

[Anonymous Coward]

"Gestapo did not confiscate anyone's laptops or MP3 players."

If they are coping from MP3 players, just send the RIAA after them. But of course the RIAA wouldn't do a thing about it even if the they did copy your music. They can only fight people who don't have the financial resources to fight back.

Virusize it!

[Anonymous Coward]

Load the thing with MyDoom et. al., and every bit of spyware/adware you can possibly put on a completely unprotected Windows PC.

When they ask you for the PC, just hand it over and say "Copy away, boys!"