Your traveling laptop

This story isn’t shocking or unexpected. It’s actually quite in the norm for all that has been happening in “big brother” America in the past few years.

The International Herald Tribune reports

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is routinely searching laptops at airports when Americans re-enter the United States from abroad. The government then pores over or copies the laptop’s contents – including financial records, medical data and e-mail messages.

I believe in protecting the country from terrorist and fighting crime, but there comes a limit when you start to infringe on the rights of the citizens. People do not like to be treated like criminals, especially when you expect your government to support you in your rights to privacy and freedom of speech. I think it does go to far when you start to mix both the moral citizens and the criminals together in an effort to fight against the dangers that threaten us.

As an owner of a laptop (Mac Powerbook G4) I can understand the frustration of other laptop owners when it comes to having your computer searched. I’ve never flown out of the country but just a simple flight in Texas, and I’ve been questioned about my laptop and it’s contained contents. I was so taken aback and unprepared for the question that the TSA employee, just let it go. But I was sent for a complete check, you know the “random” searches they have.

The article also states

Congress should pass a law that allows the government to look at data on laptops and other portable electronic devices only when it has a reasonable suspicion about the specific person being searched – something the law does not currently require. To copy data or seize devices, the government should be required to show probable cause, an even higher standard.

Your thoughts? Are you willing to subject your laptop to be searched?