Travelers’ Privacy Protection Act Introduced

We have blogged about the invasive new border search policies that allow copying of books, documents and data, as well as intrusive questioning, all without probable cause and in conflict with decades of legal precedents.

The Travelers' Privacy Protection Act restores privacy protections, while still enabling federal border agents to retain foreign intelligence information by obtaining a warrant.

Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) introduced S. 3612, with Senators Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) signing on as original cosponsors, while Representative Adam Smith (D-WA) introduced H.R. 7118.

"The Bush administration has sought to undo over twenty years of legal protections by searching personal electronics without probable cause," said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. "We applaud the introduction of this legislation and call on Congress to act quickly on this crucial issue for travelers. In today's world, laptops, cell phones and digital cameras are the storehouses for our most personal information. We cannot allow our privacy to be breached under the guise of border security."

"Congress cannot allow DHS and CBP to turn our borders into Constitution-free zones," added Timothy Sparapani, ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel. "Americans have the constitutional right to privacy, and that includes the sensitive and personal information we keep on electronic devices. DHS has been rolling back these privacy safeguards, and doing so without proper oversight and public review. Senator Feingold's much-needed bill seeks to restore our fundamental protections. Furthermore, it allows for overdue congressional oversight and a public discussion concerning our border security."

To see the Washington Post story this week on the expansion of powers at the border, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/22/AR2008092202843.html