Big Brother Wants Your iPods, Laptops, Civil Liberties

According to a new set of policies released by the Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection have the authority to confiscate any traveller's laptop computer or other electronic device for any length of time, without any suspicion of wrongdoing. These policies apply to anyone entering the country, including US citizens. The policies cover "any device capable of storing information," including hard drives, flash drives, cellphones, iPods, and video and audio tapes. Interestingly, "all papers and other written documentation," including books, pamphlets and "written materials commonly referred to as 'pocket trash' or 'pocket litter' " can also be taken without warrant or suspicion. Customs Deputy Commissioner Jayson P. Ahern said the efforts "do not infringe on Americans' privacy," I suppose because the man doesn't understand the definition of the word "privacy." The DHS claims these new policies are "reasonable and necessary to prevent terrorism." Yes, because as we all know, the 9/11 hijackers used iPods and 'pocket litter' to coordinate their attacks. Read more here.