Re: Hang on a moment
Actually this IS bad, and it's the kind of thing the ACLU exists to reveal.
The government claims that these devices are just that, devices. Objects on one's person. And such things have traditionally been subject to examination at most borders everywhere.
But now there are devices that have complex connections to the larger cyberspace. They are much more than just objects, but the government wishes to continue the old way without pause, because it gives them new tools to pry into potential suspects' lives. Meanwhile the rest of us are becoming more and more exposed to the government personally.
Left alone this will result at some point in a country where people can't/won't take those phones across borders, a great inconvenience. Further, this would set a precedent that seizing phones is okay, and the practice will most likely be extended inside the country too.
The warrant requirement has 'solved' many contentious issues before, and it will do so again in this case. The government will just have to accept this as they did in the earlier warrant-related cases.
The ACLU is doing their proper job here and I applaud them.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
