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Bill To Add Accountability To Border Laptop Search

Posted by kdawson on from the is-a-receipt-too-much-to-ask dept.

I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) has introduced a bill that would add accountability to the DHS searches conducted upon the laptops of those crossing the border. Specifically, it would require the issue of receipts to those who had their property confiscated so that it could later be returned, would limit how long the DHS can keep laptops, would require them to keep the laptop's information secure, and would create a way to complain about abuse. Finally, the DHS would be required to keep track of how many searches were done and report the details to Congress. Rep. Sanchez also has also issued a statement about the proposed bill."

4 of 495 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Read the Bill itself by TheSpoom · · Score: 5, Informative

    Yep, it doesn't even mention the word "citizens". The bill itself is quite short and makes a lot of sense.

    Take a look: HR 6869: Border Search Accountability Act of 2008

    --
    It's better to vote for what you want and not get it than to vote for what you don't want and get it.
    - E. Debs
  2. Actual Text of Proposed Bill by martyb · · Score: 4, Informative

    I found a link on Thomas for the actual bill: Border Security Search Accountability Act of 2008 (Introduced in House). Haven't had a chance to read it yet, but hopefully it can clear up questions as to whether it applies only to U.S. Citizens, or to *anyone* who is crossing the border.

    BTW: This is the PROPOSED text of the bill. It's by no means a law, yet, and is certainly subject to amendment before/if it ever it gets voted on.

  3. Re:no by Killjoy_NL · · Score: 4, Informative

    I wanted to go the US many years ago, visit New Orleans (pre-Katrina) and soak up the local culture.

    Ever since people have been treated like criminals upon entering the country I decided I would never go to the US, not even if my job demanded it.

    It's a shame though.

    --
    This is the sig that says NI (again)
  4. Re:Obvious missing option by Ihlosi · · Score: 4, Informative
    As a non-USian, I might be clueless, but wouldn't it be easier for congress to simply stop said department (an extension of the US government) snooping people's data?

    It's not specific for the US - making laws is usually easier than getting rid of them. So, if there's a way to make something that's allowed by law, but which you don't like impractical by saddling it with extra laws, that's usually preferred to repealing the law which allows it in the first place.

    will make a plane fall out of the sky or crash into a building.

    Since any of these searches are done by _customs_, it doesn't matter what or what not the data on the laptop might do to the plane. It has already landed.