Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano recently announced new guidance for searches of electronic devices at U.S. ports of entry. The guidance provides additional information regarding how DHS conducts searches and when travelers may expect return of their electronic property.<\/p>\n
In the past, DHS searched a briefcase or backpack and examined photographs, work material, notes, or journals. With the advent of electronic media storage especially in laptop computers, the volume of information which a traveler frequently carries has dramatically increased. DHS searches of laptops have raised privacy concerns as to the policies governing searches of such devices. DHS has increasingly focused on electronic searches because, according to DHS, electronic storage devices have become the latest method of smuggling digital contraband into the U.S.<\/p>\n
As background, U.S. laws authorize DHS to conduct searches for all travelers at U.S. ports of entry, including U.S. citizens. The searches may be conducted without a (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano recently announced new guidance for searches of electronic devices at U.S. ports of entry. The guidance provides additional information regarding how DHS conducts searches and when travelers may expect return of their…<\/span><\/p>\n