For some time now I’ve been reading various web log postings about people having their computers searched by customs when they cross the US border.

We’re not talking about “please boot your machine so we can verify that it is a working computer” – that is perfectly reasonable. So is a sniffer test to verify that it isn’t being used to smuggle drugs or other items.

The issue is that border agents are booting the machine, having you log in and then rummaging around in your files looking for anything “prohibited”. At times they are actually confiscating the machine, copying the hard drive and returning the machine to you (usually weeks later).

This has finally reached the 9th Circuit Court; the EFF is (of course) involved, as are a few other surprising groups. You can read the Wired story here.