I'm visiting the US at christmas time for the first time and have come across a few articles like this

Customs Could Search Your iPods For Pirated Music - Gizmodo Australia

Basically US customs can search your Ipod and laptops for pirated material. I plan to bring my laptop to the US but have some illegally downloaded music on it. (I download, if I love, I buy; otherwise I don't. I can't afford to buy everything - only 16).

Do any frequent flyers know if these checks are done on everyone, and are a normal thing that happens, or are they rare? Should I delete all the stuff before I go?

Thanks for your help. I hope I'm aloud to talk about this on MT. If not could someone tell me and I'll filter it a little.

There was talk about apple searching peoples ipods. But how would they know if it was from itunes or what not. all you have to say is i have the cd at home, as if they would. So what you get off the plane and the customs go everyone with ipods please have them ready. Not going to happen.

AFAIK it was just a suggestion - nothing may ever come of it, and I certainly don't think they have started doing this, so you would have no trouble.

Really though, In a legal sence they have no right to search your ipod or mp3 player. Wheres the danger of taking illegal music in to another contry.

How can they prove its pirate anyway?

Unless you have them with [aXXO] tags at the front of course.

I'm sure if they want to search your laptop, they will have every right to do so, under the new draconian laws these days...

If it's worrying you (as it appears to be), delete any worrying files after backing up to external media... and upon return, put them back.

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure making "back ups" of media you've paid for is not actually legal in a lot of places... inc USA.

As far as i know. They are ownly allowed to search your laptop or device is if they suspect you to carry info that can be used to damage the country you are entering.

Ummm... they have every right to search your ipod or anything else they feel like searching. Its their country.

Yeah you are right. But wheres the logic in it. Who cares if the music on your laptop or ipod are not from itunes or bought on cd then ripped on to it.

Just have your laptop/ipod password/PIN locked and refuse to give the unlock code.

I guess one can just hope that none of this actually gets implemented. What right do customs have to go searching through the files on your laptop/music player anyways and with the internet its easy to connect once your in the country and download anything you want.

I think you might change your mind when they a) take the device off you and don't return it, or b) send you straight back here...

I went to Hawaii 2 weeks ago, did not see one person get pulled over for a search of their laptop. I highly doubt they would do anything like this, because of the sheer number of people carrying laptops these days. Unless you look dodgy for some reason, why should they waste their time? Every second person had a laptop or iPod on our plane. No one got looked at twice. But if you are worried, check the TSA website. TSA | Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security they'll have all the info you need!

TSA officials have the power to randomly pick any traveller entering or leaving the US, or travelling within the US, and request that they hand over any laptop computers or electronic devices for examination. If chosen, you will be asked to accompany them to a reviewing station where they will ask you to start the device and show it working, and allow them to randomly view its contents (they will launch programs, open pictures, play video files and audio files). If they encounter any files protected by encryption, you will be asked to remove the encryption. The TSA officials also have the right to make a digital copy of the entire contents of any computer or portable media device "for later analysis".

Failure to comply will result in confiscation of the equipment and possible prosecution. Media files which are obviously an illegal download will result in prosecution. Refusing to de-encrypt encrypted files or volumes will result in automatic confiscation of all electronic equipment and prosecution, and if you are attempting to enter the United States you will be barred entry, your visa revoked, and you will be black-banned from entering United States territory for a minimum of five years.

Yes, they have become incredibly strict over there in the last twelve months.

F**king Customs. Dumb laws sometimes.

Sorry had to let that out

Thanks for all the responses, feeling more confident =D

EDIT: Read above comments just now... oh noes.... better make a backup before I leave