US customs agents can examine, copy data from searched laptops

Here are two rather alarming stories re. global  infringement of privacy by the US government:
First, David Edwards and Mike Sheehan present details from CNN report on US customs agents, who can examine, and copy data from electronic devices.
Published, Monday February 11, 2008
EXCERPT: Customs agents have the prerogative to examine and even copy data from travelling citizens' laptops they search, CNN's American Morning reports.
"A new alert for travellers: be careful what you store on your laptop or your BlackBerry when entering the United States," warns CNN's John Roberts. "Customs agents can examine your computer and even keep your private information."
CNN reporter Jeanne Meserve adds ominously, "Your banking records, your music choices, your emails, your business contacts -- all can be examined, copied and stored by the government when you enter the country, if they're in an electronic device."
See the full report here, including CNN footage:

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Customs_agents_can_copy_data_from_0211.html

And, further information, from Ian Traynor in Brussells, via the Guadian
Bush orders clampdown on flights to US

• Ian Traynor in Brussels
• The Guardian,
• Monday February 11 2008
  

  The US administration is pressing the 27 governments of the European Union to sign up for a range of new security measures for transatlantic travel, including allowing armed guards on all flights from Europe to America by US airlines.

  Source: guardian.co.uk