Message To The Federal Government: No, You Can't Search My Laptop!

News Type: Opinion — Seeded on Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:44 PM EDT

Article Source: Think Progress

us-news, privacy, rights, customs-and-border-patrol, laptop-computer-search

In recent months, I have become increasingly aware of what I consider a deeply flawed and disturbing policy. In April, a federal appeals court held that Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) can search laptops, and even copy their entire contents, as a routine part of border searches. The ruling held that the CBP does not need probable cause, or even the lower standard of "reasonable suspicion."

Some of the problems that arise with this policy:

– U.S. policy creates bad precedents that totalitarian and other regimes will follow.

– Severe harm to personal privacy, free speech, and business secrets.

– Disadvantaging the U.S. economy.

CPB has refused to acknowledge any limits on its discretion to search laptops, Blackberries, and other computing devices whenever someone enters or leaves the country. Today, I will be testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is holding the first hearing about this increasingly common problem. The hearing, called by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), features a coalition of civil liberties and business groups that oppose these searches. I hope that today's hearing will spell the beginning of the end of this troubling policy.

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5.7

{"commentId":2046258,"authorDomain":"nearing"}

nearing

Right On.

I am so glad there are competent people looking in to this and taking a stand for our civil liberties.

{"commentId":2046258,"threadId":"298682","contentId":"1609184","authorDomain":"nearing"}

5 votes

#1 - Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:52 PM EDT

{"commentId":2048234,"authorDomain":"Andimia"}

Andimia

Woohoo!! This is great news!!
I would actually get fired if I allow an unauthorized person to access my laptop. I had to sign contract saying that I would not allow other people to use it or see it's contents, and if I fly anywhere I MUST keep it with me.

{"commentId":2048234,"threadId":"298682","contentId":"1609184","authorDomain":"Andimia"}

2 votes

#2 - Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:49 PM EDT

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NEARING

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Message To The Federal Government: No, You Can't Search My Laptop!

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