US Homeland Security given power to seize laptops

[Keith]

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...080103030.html

Federal agents may take a traveler's laptop computer or other electronic device to an off-site location for an unspecified period of time without any suspicion of wrongdoing, as part of border search policies the Department of Homeland Security recently disclosed.

Also, officials may share copies of the laptop's contents with other agencies and private entities for language translation, data decryption or other reasons, according to the policies, dated July 16 and issued by two DHS agencies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

[ukwdwnut]

just as well i will never take one to the states

[Dizneyblonde]

Oh no i wanted to take mine to skype and upload pics next year

[Grammiepo]

Don't think this is going to hit, Disney travelers very often.

[Keith]

Oh no i wanted to take mine to skype and upload pics next year

I take one every time and will continue to

I think it's just something to be aware of. As Grammiepo says, they're not going to be out to grab every disney traveller's laptop.

[Dizneyblonde]

I'd like to see them try getting my laptop off me!!!

[ukwdwnut]

I'd like to see them try getting my laptop off me!!!

you wouldnt have a choice, or end up in nick

[Dizneyblonde]

It was a joke..............

[Keith]

you wouldnt have a choice, or end up in nick

Some people are already saying they'll ship their laptops there rather than carrying them through

[Claire]

I think the emphasis is on the 'may'. I imagine they would have to have other suspicions regarding a particular person first to warrant them taking the laptop.