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Policy Allows Search of Documents and Electronic Devices by U.S. Customs
According to a policy announced on July 16, 2008, Customs agents have authority to conduct searches at the border of information contained in documents and electronic devices such as laptops and flash drives, even without any suspicion of wrongdoing or unlawful activity. There is no distinction between foreigners and Americans. The new policy allows Customs to search, copy, retain, and share information from computers, disks, hard drives, electronic or digital storage devices, as well as documents, books, pamphlets, and other printed materials. Officers may detain documents and electronic devices for as long as they deem necessary and reasonable to perform a thorough search, either on or off site. Customs may share the documents or electronic devices with other federal agencies or entities for translation, decryption, or subject matter assistance, without notice.
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