Software utilities

Now that’s something I never knew.

Apparently, if you walk through a US airport with your laptop or memory stick, it can be seized by customs (and, check it, they don’t have to give you a reason either).

That’s just great.

Can you imagine – you’re a writer or a programmer. You’re on your way to New York for a conference or maybe you’ve snagged a great 3 month contract with a firm over there. All your work is on your Mac Book and a backed-up copy’s sitting all nice and snug on your memory stick.

And customs can take them off you? Without an explanation? For any length of time they frikkin want? That’s amazing. Intrusive. Annoying. Inconvenient.

It’s apparently a procedure that’s been in place for years but only became public knowledge when a group of lobbyists demanded that the Department of Homeland Security’s policies be revealed.

I can partly understand why customs would do this. The world is a much more dangerous place these days. However, to not give an explanation is ludicrous. I’ve been to the US a few times and I’ve met some great custom folks, but I’ve also met some who were complete and utter assholes. Who’s to say they won’t abuse their power and seize your laptop just for the fun of it, ‘cos they’re having a bad day? And if that ever happens, there’s so much red tape that it’d probably take centuries to get through the complaints procedure.

So, if you’re ever travelling to the US, do bear the above in mind. As an extra caution, you might wanna back up all your important stuff online.

If it’s any comfort though, I haven’t heard a case of anyone who’s had their laptop or iPod seized. It doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened, though.