Or is it just an electronic device?

As a physical object they can look into my laptop … but the information is different, same as listening to you phone calls or reading your e-mails, unless the have proof that you have something illegal on that hdd they should not stick their nose.

p.s. why bother transporting videos with a laptop when you can transmit it over internet… ?

As for this story, it’s certainly true that the UK is also paranoid. We tend to follow the lead of the US on issues such as this, so expect to see these draconian measures implemented over here soon. The only good thing is that we have press and politicians willing to make some noise about it, but whether they do any good is another matter. One of our MPs recently resigned over the burgeoning police state mentality. True, his seat was never in doubt and he was easily re-elected however, his resignation did cause a media furore and drew attention to the issue in a way that had never happened before. All of the news bulletins and newspapers have carried stories about government intrusion, draconian laws, anti terror laws being misused and others privacy issues such as Phorm the massively intrusive advertising system ever since (you guys in the US have a similar system coming called NebuAd, but at least on this your politicians are waking up). It’s happening slowly, but you now hear ordinary people on the streets and in pubs talking about the way we are headed and starting to ask questions and protest, which can only be a good thing if people start to take it seriously. Whether our goverment actually listen is another matter, and so far they don’t seem to be listening at all.

First, this only happens when entering the US from a foreign country. Second, before you enter Customs, you technically are not on US Soil, so you ave no constitutional rights yet (I think). Third, it’s been a long standing practice for the US to inspect people and packages entering into the US. 4th, and final, the courts don’t view a computer as any different than your suitcase, or a crate, or a package. They can search it all before allowing it into the US. If you encrypt the contents, they can seize the computer and take you to court to compel you to give up the password.

With all that said, I really dislike this practice, and I would tell anyone traveling overseas to take care of what is on their computer.

And TSA employees are a joke universally. They are not law enforcement and have no real authority. Customs Officers, however ARE the police and are sworn federal officers, so tread lightly with them.

I can’t believe how easily the US citizens drop their pants and bend over with their asses lubed up for another ass pounding all under the name Terrorism! Protect your country by allowing the Government to convert your society to communism! Watch out many brains at work!

Fuk this I am building a rocket ship outa crap around the yard and getting the fuk outta here!!! WHOSE WITH ME?????????

Maybe it is falling but I just got off a plane yesterday and no one even glanced at any of my electronics with all of my “stuff” on them.

Not saying this shouldn’t be a big picture concern, but it’s about 25,000 on my list of concerns. A cop could pull me over on the way to the store and hold me for questioning over something I never did. It’s that way everywhere. If you think it’s not, fine, good luck.

I’m going to the store.

“I bet Bush dont know what a server even is.”

Of course he does, they are the people that work for f-all at MacDonalds and those who bring him his daily comics from around the globe so he can learn foreign policy.

Jeez, the people who have a problem with these laws are the ones who are paranoid.”

How do you download “on the other side” if your notebook is confiscated, for no valid reason other than you are number 1324 and are 6 foot tall, regardless of what you have stored on it?

The overly paranoid check is to be expected from America, but to confiscate a notebook, without the need for a substantial reason is just ridiculuous.

People read the main text (which isn’t BAD) but don’t see the gaping loopholes it opens up, just as with the Partiot Act. The aim is alright but the loose language used, allows them to do just about anything they want.