The "P" Word? You Know, Privacy & Psecurity.

From the Accountability-is-golden-department and Slashdot: “Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) has introduced a bill that would add accountability to the DHS searches conducted upon the laptops of those crossing the border. Specifically, it would require the issue of receipts to those who had their property confiscated so that it could later be returned, would limit how long the DHS can keep laptops, would require them to keep the laptop’s information secure, and would create a way to complain about abuse.

Finally, the DHS would be required to keep track of how many searches were done and report the details to Congress. Rep. Sanchez also has also issued a statement about the proposed bill.”

It looks like the EFF’s earlier campaign seeking clarity in this area has borne fruit: We’ve gone from not knowing anything about the rules governing crossing U.S. borders with laptops, to knowing that we’ve got no expectations of privacy, to this recent proposal.

Let’s hope that it manages to be become law and that somebody holds the DHS to account for their actions.