Have I mentioned lately how much I like Rep. Lofgren?

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) recently introduced H.R. 6588, which prevents customs officials from using the pretext of border searches to conduct groundless search and seizure of Americans’ laptops and other electronic devices when they return from overseas travel. The bill does not prevent the search or seizure of laptops or other electronic devices when legitimate law enforcement purposes justify that search or seizure.

-- Rep. Lofgren's web page

While I'm still stuck with Senators that are in the RIAA/MPAA's back pocket, at least I have a Representative who continues to do useful work that I can support. One out of three ain't bad?

Comments

[whiskey]

So, since my laptop is both encrypted file system and password protected, what exactly could the government search? Or would they simply confiscate the electronic device and put the owner in jail?

[Timothy Sanders]

Anecdotally there are stories of people being asked for passwords, and the implication is that if you don't give the passwords they'll detain you and you miss your flight. Do you give them the passwords or do you stand up for your rights and A ) spend LOTS of time in the TSA part of the airport and B ) lose your laptop/memory card/whatever. I don't believe the TSA spoke to the "asking for your passwords' stratagem in their official statement, but I've seen enough independent confirmation that they are doing it to believe it. See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/06/AR2008020604763.html?hpid=topnews for examples of people being asked to provide passwords and instructions on how to access email.

Furthermore, if they take your "refusal to cooperate" with their civil rights invasion as "suspicious behavior" then it's probably not going to go well. Remember this is all in response to an official declaration that you don't have a right to privacy at the border. Are you really under the impression that they'll be impressed with your cleverness by using encryption and send you on your merry way?

[whiskey]

This is crazy. I wish I could vote for Zoe.