Should customs search travelers' laptops?

[Inkpen]

Suit: Airport searches of laptops, other devices intrusive - CNN.com

Is searching your personal laptop...
Illegal?
Legal?
No opinion?

I have no problem with this, as I have nothing to hide.
But I am sure others might feel it is a violation of their rights to have personal property searched without a reason or cause.

Just wondering what other feel about this.

 

[MrX]

I dont have anything to hide, but there should be probably cause IMO.

 

[terbear1225]

I dont have anything to hide, but there should be probably cause IMO.

nothing to hide here either but I see it as a violation of privacy. I am all for safety precautions and searching for explosives or whatever but what are they searching my laptop for? (besides, I don't entirely trust all airport security personnel)

 

[bcp]

No
If they were smart enough to adequately search a laptop without damaging it, they would then also be smart enough to have a real job that paid more than minimum wage.

You might as well just go on down to the zoo and toss the laptop into the primate cage.

 

[MMDad]

"You forgo your right to privacy when you are seeking admission into the country," he says. "This is the kind of scrutiny the American public expects."

If you don't want to be searched, don't go through customs. Just walk across the border from Mexico, or swim the Rio Grande.

An IT consultant who travels to Europe, Turkey and Pakistan, Khan says he has cooperated with the questions and searches but feels by now border agents should know he doesn't pose a threat.

You come in from Pakistan and you think we shouldn't search your stuff?

That would be a great precedent to show AQ: go back and forth 5 times, and we'll stop searching you. Great idea there.

 

[vegmom]

What would be the purpose of searching files on someones laptop? I mean other that just a confirmation that it's a computer and not something more sinister?

I would think the airport security time would be better spent searching for uh, guns and bombs and knives (oh my!).

 

[terbear1225]

What would be the purpose of searching files on someones laptop? I mean other that just a confirmation that it's a computer and not something more sinister?

I would think the airport security time would be better spent searching for uh, guns and bombs and knives (oh my!).

 

[bcp]

just realized that this was brought up by a pakistani.

yes, search them. search their laptops.
Lets consider it on the job training in computer services for our customs agents.

If the Mr. McCurry does not like being searched, maybe he would be more comfortable visiting other countries instead.

 

[MMDad]

What would be the purpose of searching files on someones laptop? I mean other that just a confirmation that it's a computer and not something more sinister?

From the story:

Hollinger says electronic devices could contain evidence of possible ties to terrorism, narcotics smuggling, child pornography and other criminal activities.

I would think the airport security time would be better spent searching for uh, guns and bombs and knives (oh my!).

Customs checks out what you bring into the country, after you get off the arriving flight. Security looks before you get on the plane. Apples and oranges.

 

[Inkpen]

The article is talking of US Customs...Not Airport Security.

People coming INTO the US...not leaving......

 

[terbear1225]

let's be realistic here. if we allow customs to do this, how much longer would it be before there's a push to search every single laptop on international and domestic flights?

 

[MMDad]

let's be realistic here. if we allow customs to do this, how much longer would it be before there's a push to search every single laptop on international and domestic flights?

Customs can already search everything coming into the country. They can take your car apart bolt by bolt, and leave you the pieces to reassemble when done. We ask them to make sure items are not smuggled into the country, and that is what they try to do.

Why should a laptop be exempt? Why should we make exceptions?

The personal information claim is stupid. They can already look in your briefcase, wallet, purse, and luggage. You have to tell them everything they want to know, or you don't get in.

Anyone carrying sensitive information through customs is stupid to begin with. That is something you just do not do.

 

[chernmax]

Well if they start searching laptops, then cell phones, blackberries, PDA's, iPODS, jump drives, thumb drives, and reading every piece of paper in your wallet or handbag will be next.

 

[MMDad]

Well if they start searching laptops, then cell phones, blackberries, PDA's, iPODS, jump drives, thumb drives, and reading every piece of paper in your wallet or handbag will be next.

That has always been the case. They can search everything you are carrying, and every orifice on your body.

Somebody is now complaining about it. He says it is because he is Pakistani.

 

[AndyMarquisLIVE]

That has always been the case. They can search everything you are carrying, and every orifice on your body.

Somebody is now complaining about it. He says it is because he is Pakistani.

At what point do you have a problem with it. We're NOT talking about about people who have been honest and trustworthy here.

If the TSA wasn't "losing" peoples' iPods and baggage and computers all the time, I wouldn't have a problem, but they aren't worthy of my trust.

 

[chernmax]

That has always been the case. They can search everything you are carrying, and every orifice on your body.

Somebody is now complaining about it. He says it is because he is Pakistani.

Well shoot, he's probably the guy we call when we need computer tech support here in the states!!!

 

[terbear1225]

Customs can already search everything coming into the country. They can take your car apart bolt by bolt, and leave you the pieces to reassemble when done. We ask them to make sure items are not smuggled into the country, and that is what they try to do.

Why should a laptop be exempt? Why should we make exceptions?

The personal information claim is stupid. They can already look in your briefcase, wallet, purse, and luggage. You have to tell them everything they want to know, or you don't get in.

Anyone carrying sensitive information through customs is stupid to begin with. That is something you just do not do.

you're comparing apples to oranges. when searching a càr, or your wallet or brief case, customs is searching for an actual item like explosives or drugs. that is not what they're searching for in a laptop.

(sorry for the typos, typing with a bandaid ain't easy)

 

[MMDad]

Go turn on KO. The grownups are discussing grownup stuff here.

 

[ylexot]

If someone wants to hide something on their computer, it would take hours for a computer expert to find it. What chance does customs have?

 

[AndyMarquisLIVE]

And yet not a single productive point, just pointless blabbering and cheap shots?