Posted on 09/15/2022 10:59:40 AM PDT by thegagline
Thousands of US government officials have unlimited access to as many as 10,000 devices which are seized from travelers moving across the country.
Electronic devices such as cellphones, iPads and laptops taken from those going through airports, seaports and border crossings are being mined for data.
The leader of the Customs and Border Protection told congressional staff that the massive database can be accessed by 2,700 CBP officers without a warrant.
During a briefing, which took place in the summer, officials also said that the data is maintained for 15 years.
It has raised alarms in Congress about what the government is using the information or, with many of the devices taken from people not suspected of any criminal activity.
Details of the database were revealed on Thursday in a letter from Senator Ron Wyden to CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus.
He criticised the agency for ‘allowing indiscriminate rifling through Americans’ private records’ and called for stronger privacy protections.
CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus recieved a letter blasting the department after it was revealed that thosuands of officers have access to the database
During a briefing, which took place in the summer, officials said the massive database can be accessed by 2,700 CBP officers without a warrant
Electronic devices such as cellphones, iPads and laptops taken from those going through airports, seaports and border crossings are being mined for data by the CBP
Senator Paul and Wyden introduced a bill last year which required border officials to get a warrant before searching a device.
Currently the CBP have the authority to conduct a ‘basic search’, which includes looking and scrolling through the device.
Anyone who refuses to unlock their phone for the process can have it confiscated for up to five days. ***
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
yes they can...if you’re coming into the US. Ever try to get something mailed from overseas? By your logic you can smuggle drugs in and espionage data.
If you legally own a device the US Government can’t confiscate it unless you submit to their jurisdiction by living here or voluntarily entering the country.
If you show up and they ask for your phone you can a) give it to them and enter, or b) keep your phone and return from whence you came.
Border Patrol Agents aren’t allowed to access phones and electronic devices of illegal aliens that just crossed the border but American citizens can have their electronics accessed crossing through a designated port of entry….
The evidence our political establishment is absolutely evil is overwhelming.
Correct. I doubt most return though. But they could pay for a ticket home.
The title of my law school thesis was, “The Extraterritorial Application of the Fourth Amendment.”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.