The ACLU has posted an analysis (and easier data access) to recent Customs and Border Protection data.
In a span of just nine months, CBP officials searched over 1,500 electronic devices belonging to travelers. Under the current policy, they were not required to justify a single one of these searches. …
Between July 2008 and June 2009, CBP transferred electronic files found on travelers’ devices to third-party agencies almost 300 times. Over half the time, these unknown agencies asserted independent bases for retaining or seizing the transferred files. More than 80 percent of the transfers involved the CBP making copies of travelers’ files.
It’s not clear whether the majority of these searches were done for reasons of security or copyright. In cases of the latter, the lack of a warrant for these searches seems oddly reminiscent of the power granted to England’s Stationers’ company (circa 16c!).
Thanks to the ACLU for giving this at least some transparency.
via Customs and Border Protection (CBP) First Production Documents | American Civil Liberties Union.