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Is travel security working for us? Or, against us? Read this, and tell me what YOU think. According to this story on CNN, a U.S. citizen and business traveler named Amir Khan has had federal agents search his computers 5-times in the past 5-years. He says, at times U.S. Customs and Border agents have “forced him to give them access to password-protected, confidential information from his company and his banking records.” Are we going too far? Please, keep reading. |
Khan, a Pakistani-born IT rep suspects this is a rather blatant example of racial profiling. Customs officials say, “we don’t do that.” Khan, meanwhile, has always been cooperative, but he’s getting real tired of this.
And, even if it’s legal…is it right?
Maybe this will help, if not Khan personally, then perhaps others like him: last week, a lawsuit was filed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Asian Law Caucus in federal court in California. It’s hoped the suit will maybe to clarify the legality of the kind of searches that Khan’s undergone. According to the foundation, people there “know of more than a dozen cases in which electronic devices [including laptops] have been searched by customs agents.” And in some of those cases, digital devices were seized, but never returned.
Entering laptops, accessing passwords…sure, it’s legal. And it’s being done, we’re told, for our protection against terrorism.
Does it protect us? Tell me what you think.
And, even if it’s legal…is it right?
if I have sensitive material, I send it ahead on a secure site, or in e mail and do not save it to the laptop or digital devices. Next we know, the feds will require us to read all our e mails.
freedom?
Comment by Robert — February 11, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
Not sure if its legal but I dont think its right. In the story, the government is quoted as saying that “”You forgo your right to privacy when you are seeking admission into the country”. If they use this reason to search your laptop, they could use the same logic to search the premises where you say you are staying. You certainly shouldn’t have to give up your privacy if you are a citizen. This somewhat ties in to a story I read on the practical nomad blog about losing your right to enter the country even if you are a citizen. It’s going too far imho.
Comment by Matt — February 11, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
This is too far, wrong and too much! The real criminal will get by anyway. The one to suffer are ordinary citizens and the occasional stupid who is better caught elsewhere
Comment by Andy — February 12, 2008 @ 12:41 pm
Now is the time to tell your Congressmen and women that you do NOT want them to grant immunity to those who cooperate with illegal searches and wiretaps, by the way.
As for the laptops, it is one thing to ask someone to turn the computer on and log into it, it is another thing entirely to collect the password. For U.S. Citizens, probable cause should be required to search. It is a simple requirement of our Bill of Rights.
Too much has already been sacrificed in the name of fighting terrorism abroad already (have we forgotten Oklahoma City?). Some of this needs to be reclaimed.
Comment by Lewis — February 14, 2008 @ 7:45 am
This is just another reason to use Fly Clear in all air ports in the US and abroad.
There is no question who you are as they use biometrics and finger scan.and a federal clearance.
Why is this product not used in evry air port is beyond me!
No I do not feel anyoneworking at the airports should ask you for your passwords that can lead to theft of your hard earned money!
Comment by Suzanne — February 14, 2008 @ 8:54 am
While I do think it is wrong and being pushed a little too far - one day they will catch someone and thwart some plans - perhaps saving many lives. Then we will be thanking god they do these searches.
BTW - I do think they profile people also. I have been “randomly” selected many times to undergo a more therough search including a pat search. I am an American, who just happens to have dark hair and an olive complexion. I have been randomly selected way too many times, but I have never seen anyone else be selected around me. I think it is cause of my dark hair and complexion - I could like a liitle arab, yet I am far from it.
Comment by James — February 14, 2008 @ 9:10 am
On my last sentance above I meant to say “I could look like a liitle arab in me, yet I am far from it.”
Comment by James — February 14, 2008 @ 9:11 am
The Bush administration has NO respect for the constitution. Bush said of it: “It’s just a G D piece of paper.”
We have seen this disregard during his entire administration. His supporters should be ashamed.
Comment by Annie — February 14, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
It definitely is NOT right to have to give your passwords unless there is probable cause, and they have a search warrant. As far as profiling is concerned, they should be doing MUCH MORE of it instead of searching grandma in her wheelchair. Who is it that was behind 9/11? Who are the people in Al Quaida? They are Arab Muslims! It is unfortunate if you look like one,or are one, but that’s life. We need to most vigilant against those who appear to be most likely to do us harm. Ignore history at your own peril.
Comment by Ron Sarson — February 14, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
“As for the laptops, it is one thing to ask someone to turn the computer on and log into it, it is another thing entirely to collect the password. For U.S. Citizens, probable cause should be required to search. It is a simple requirement of our Bill of Rights.”
Lewis has it exactly right.
Comment by Woody Hoyt — February 15, 2008 @ 8:42 am