Government Agents Can Seize your Electronic Devices

Agam Shah, IDG News Service Fri Aug 1, 7:50 PM ET

Travelers beware: U.S. agents now have the authority to seize and retain laptops indefinitely, according to a new policy detailed in documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security .

As part of border search policy, government agents are now authorized to seize electronic devices and inspect documents in them, the document states. The electronic devices might include laptops, cell phones, portable music players or storage devices such as portable hard drives.

Agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection will also be allowed to translate and share documents with other government agencies.

The DHS document, issued July 16, appears to state publicly a policy that has already existed. Laptops and electronic devices have been subject to search in the past, and travelers have reported not getting their devices back. The policy has drawn strong criticism from lawmakers and nonprofit groups, who charged that the searches were invasive and a violation of an individual's privacy rights. Computers contain a vast amount of private information about family, finances and health, which could be easily copied and stored in government databases, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has complained.

The policy document states that being able to examine documents and electronic devices is crucial for "detecting information concerning terrorism, narcotics smuggling... contraband including child pornography, and... other import or export control laws."

The new DHS policies allow customs agents to analyze the contents of laptops without any suspicion of wrongdoing, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold said in a statement.

"The policies that have been disclosed are truly alarming," Feingold wrote.

The policy could blur the distinction between "search" and "seizure," which could also allow DHS officials to steal personal documents from laptops it has retained, Feingold wrote.

Putnam County's domestic partner registry goes into effect

July 1, 2008 -

Carmel, N.Y.

A suburban New York City county has a domestic partner registry effective today.

Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi signed the domestic partner registry into law yesterday without comment.

The registry will enable couples either gay or heterosexual who live together but are not married to document their commitment.

A public hearing was held last week and about three dozen people testified. Members of the clergy objected to the registry, calling it a stepping stone to ultimately legalized same-sex marriage.

But others were in favor. Putnam legislators approved the establishment of the registry last month and they had the votes to override if Bondi had vetoed it.

The bill becomes law as soon as it's filed with the state.

Those wishing to obtain a certificate of domestic partnership will be able to get one at the clerk's office in Carmel after paying a $35 fee.