Quote:
Originally Posted by pilotbob
Yep. There was also a fairly recent case where a guy who's laptop was being inspected had an encrypted file on his drive. He refused to give them or type in the password. The court uphelp that he could not be compelled to give them the password.
So, encrypt your hard drives if you are going to be doing border crossings folks.
BOb
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Encryption may not be the answer.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Policy Regarding Border Search of Information
July 16,2008
(2) Assistance by Other Federal Agencies or Entities.
(a) Translation and Decryption. Officers may encounter information in documents or electronic devices that is in a foreign language and/or encrypted. To assist CBP in determining the meaning of such information, CBP may seek translation and/or decryption assistance from
other Federal agencies or entities. Officers may seek such assistance absent individualized suspicion. Requests for translation and decryption assistance shall be documented.
(b) Subject Matter Assistance. Officers may encounter information in documents or electronic devices that is not in a foreign language or encrypted, but that nevertheless requires referral to subject matter experts to determine whether the information is relevant to the laws enforced and administered by CBP. With supervisory approval, officers may create and transmit a copy of information to an agency or entity for the purpose of obtaining subject matter assistance when they have reasonable suspicion
of activities in violation of the laws enforced by CBP. Requests for subject matter assistance shall be documented.
(c) Original documents and devices should only be transmitted when necessary to render the requested assistance.