Seizing Laptops and Cameras at the Border—Too Intrusive?

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information and PROOF of information are what the government does not want us to have. this is why they have made these screens. Other screens include taking the computers from them when they ARENT crossing borders etc.. even KILLING journalists.

harold elen of MN 6:02PM October 22, 2008

The "search" of laptops is a joke. Anyone with half a brain can encrypt their drives with undetectable, virtual disks. Truecrypt does this in a matter of a few clicks.The encryptions used have not been cracked so far and can take years to brute force. Criminals know this and will use it. The odds of the CBP actually catching a criminal with information that is incriminating is so incredibly small its just not worth it. The only people that will be affected are law abidng citizens that don't know that much about computer security.
The seizure of the laptops can have serious effects on the lives of those who are the victims of the CBP. It can cause serious financial damage if the laptop is used for business. You have to ask yourself "Is it worth it" and "Would I put of with such blatant abuse of power if it wasn't for 9/11". Realize, not everyone is a terrorist. 19 hijackers on 9/11 and now people think everyone is a suspect.
Think back to the times before, even during desert storm things were not so bad. Things need to change.
You wouldn't let the contents of your home be searched and seized without a warrant. Why should you have to worry about your belongings being searched just because you decide you want the freedom of travelling.

Greg of FL 6:56AM August 04, 2008

Americans have traditionally enjoyed freedoms of speech and privacy greater than other totalitarian regimes like the Soviet Union, communist China, East Germany, Tunisia, Syria and North Korea. But those days seem to number now. The current level of State intrusion into the lives of the average, law-adiding US citizen is now greater than in China TODAY.
Sadly, Americans did not study and heed the call of our Founding Fathers, particularly the great Ben Franklin, when he offered this great lesson for future generations, "If you sacrifice your liberty for security, then you will eventually lose both."
Anyone who believes that all Americans and travelers in America are potential "terrorists" has completely lost their understanding of what is the US Constitution. The slowly increasing Police State is the single greatest threat to freedom and tranquility in America.
The exaggerated fear of Arabs with 40 yrs old machine guns, and the fairy tale of the "suitcase nuke" has caused Americans to allow any manner of East Germany-style spying and violations in their lives. We watch TV and think that 24 is real. It's not. But Soviet control is real and we are getting it now. As mentioned earlier, in China you are free to travel with digital media and film in public. In America... you ar not.
On this course, the State will dissolve and regulate every last freedom we ever had. What a pathetic and shamefull state of affairs.

Patrick James of CA 8:34AM June 27, 2008

I have been traveling by air since 1958 mostly for business. I have seen all the changes that have ocured and believe air port security is vital to our safety. Has been and is, more so, now.
I do remember actually getting on a plane is less than 5 minutes and was fully dressed. I could lock my luggage to keep my belongings safe from those at the airport from stealing what little I had.
Times and conditions change, I know that. However, I don't believe that dignity, privacy and service should be eliminated for the sake of safety. To many times I have seen those TSA agents that only are interested in showing you how important they are and how you must do as they say. It makes them feel "in charge" of your life for that one moment.
The vast majority of us travel legally and pose NO threat to anyone. The industry knows that but still we have to get undressed and have pictures taken of our private body parts. Now they want to take away our livelyhood and steel our computers.
They should have a system (similar to the frequent flyer programs) where people are checked before they even buy their tickets. This can be done the same way they check on you when you buy a gun. We would be given an ID card that must be renewed every year. This card would be shown at the security check points and we would be allowed to board with less hassle...fully dressed and laptops still stored where we want them.

Floyd Carter of AR 3:18AM June 27, 2008

Before you return home from any trip outside the country remember to upload all your personal or business data to a server on the world wide web and then delete all data from your laptop or camera. Another tip... never keep any data on a computer that is attached to the net. Instead keep it on an external drive(s) and only attach it to the computer when it is not connected to the internet. The CIA & NSA have been spying on us for 20 years.

Mark De Muth of FL 6:58PM June 26, 2008

It's heartening to see the great bulk of comments on this grounded in a proper understanding of both the issue and the constitutional protection that has been abrogated by these crooks now in charge.
But they are pretty strong — and no tactic is beneath them, be sure of that.
We are at a very dangerous crossroads this election and following. Let's keep our eye on the ball — this is for all the marbles.

ProudPrimate of ME 2:59PM June 26, 2008

What happened to probable cause?

Scott of MN 1:11PM June 26, 2008

It's time for the American people to stand up and defend themselves in the best way possible - voting for a new direction for America. If you like the new American Empire, then continue to support it through the candidates that have the American Empire at heart. If on the other hand, you would like America to return to being the TRUE Land of the Free, and would like to see the Constitution restored and laws passed to ensure that the Constitution can never again be pillaged and ignored like it currently is, then vote for change. This is the single greatest power any individual in this country has. Vote. It DOES mean a world of difference.

Kokuryu Tenchi of FL 11:03AM June 26, 2008

This is no longer a free country. This is a Fascist...and I mean that in the original political sense of the word...state run by and for the benefit of those who run the corporations that own the government. Beginning with the "War on Drugs" an all out and deliberate assault on our freedoms began and has now been completed by the Bush administration. You have no rights. None at all. Nothing that cant be removed on a whim by the ruling elite.
America is dead. Long live the empire.

Sandy of CA 8:55AM June 26, 2008