Travelers to Australia to Be Searched for Porn - on the MR newspage

[Guest novabear22031]

Wasn't sure where to post this. Did try a search to see if there were any threads on this.. but came up with none.

 

The link is:

 

http://www.xbiz.com/news/120890

 

Not wanting this to go to the politics forum really. But with my iPhone I traveled with both regular and X-rated movies for my entertainment. Now that I have an iPad I might travel with a wider library of of all sorts of material.

 

What I took from the article was that if you are "honest" about your media content - is that you could be subject to additional screening. Just wonder if one answers "NO" to the porno question - do they have the right to go through any files on your device, USB keychain, or memory card?

 

I understand the intent is to stop child pornography... in particular in that region...

[+ ArVaGuy]

What I took from the article was that if you are "honest" about your media content - is that you could be subject to additional screening. Just wonder if one answers "NO" to the porno question - do they have the right to go through any files on your device, USB keychain, or memory card?

 

I understand the intent is to stop child pornography... in particular in that region...

 

 

Novabear,

 

Yes, every country has the right to inspect your belongings upon entry. Customs agents can and do inspect any electronic device in your possession. To deny inspection is just asking for even more trouble.

 

Further, it is not unusual for some countries to install tracking programs on laptops and return them to the traveler stating they are "cleared". Agents are then able to determine if the individual is involved in child related illegal activity by tracking them online.

 

In addition, US Customs and Border Protection may inspect any of your belongings for up to 12 weeks after re-entry. The vast majority of US international travelers do not know this but it's been mentioned in various news reports over the years. They will need a warrant, obviously, but if the authorities suspect illegal activity this is an additional tool in the investigation.

 

However, most travelers are not going to have any issues with such inspections. The customs agencies have a profile they are looking for and use that template to determine further inspections. As in, if there is a pattern of travel to areas that are known for child traffic and the traveler is a single male from North America or Europe, this guy's number is going to come up as someone to receive closer inspection.

[+ ArVaGuy]

To add to my reply, read the back of the customs form. It's a consent document and has the force of law behind it. You have sworn that what you declared is truthful and there are various degrees of penalty based on the infraction.

[Guest novabear22031]

Novabear,

 

Yes, every country has the right to inspect your belongings upon entry. Customs agents can and do inspect any electronic device in your possession. To deny inspection is just asking for even more trouble.

 

Further, it is not unusual for some countries to install tracking programs on laptops and return them to the traveler stating they are "cleared". Agents are then able to determine if the individual is involved in child related illegal activity by tracking them online.

 

In addition, US Customs and Border Protection may inspect any of your belongings for up to 12 weeks after re-entry. The vast majority of US international travelers do not know this but it's been mentioned in various news reports over the years. They will need a warrant, obviously, but if the authorities suspect illegal activity this is an additional tool in the investigation.

 

However, most travelers are not going to have any issues with such inspections. The customs agencies have a profile they are looking for and use that template to determine further inspections. As in, if there is a pattern of travel to areas that are known for child traffic and the traveler is a single male from North America or Europe, this guy's number is going to come up as someone to receive closer inspection.

 

Never knew of the 12 week rule <eek>

 

Understand that most custom agencies are looking for bigger fish to fry. I fully understand the Australian news-link... they are closer to child trafficking in Asia.

 

For myself I was looking more on the news link as being a FOX News thing ROFL. I travel with either my iPhone (in the past) or my iPad with many videos that can keep me "entertained".

 

But I also have taken many trips that I have photos that could be "considered porno" under these rules. Thinking of a Bear weekend in Palm Springs here. LOL

[Guest socal30]

Wow they have an Australian sex party!! Also I hear prostitution is legal in Australia? Surprising they would come up with this..

 

Maybe they are trying to track down sex tourists who are returning. I think I was reading that if you visit Thailand a couple of times and are in the older male age bracket, you might get some extra attention from customs in our country. Don't know how true that is.