Carnal Reason

You may want to leave your computer at home when traveling abroad. Via news.com

What: A business traveler protests the warrantless search and seizure of his laptop by Homeland Security at the U.S.-Canada border.

When: 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rules on July 24.

Outcome: Three-judge panel unanimously says that border police may conduct random searches of laptops without search warrants or probable cause. These searches can include seizing the laptop and subjecting it to extensive forensic analysis.

Naturally you’ve got nothing to hide on your computer. No private files, no financial data, no network analysis tools (you’re a not hacker, are you?), no pr0n. Still, forensic analysis of an 80GB hard drive might take a while. Maybe a long while. And encrypted files might look suspicious, perhaps suggesting you need a body cavity search. A digital examination, if you will.

Welcome home.

Posted on July 27th, 2006 by pwyll
Filed under: law, nanny state, politics