US Customs may retain your laptop– India's DRI is no better
If you are planning to go to US of A, better keep back your laptop and maybe even that fancy mobile phone which has windows, internet and email, for the US Customs can check your data and copy them or even retain the device and for this to happen, you don't need to resemble Osama Bin Laden.
As per the US Customs Policy regarding Border Search of Information, officers may examine documents, books, pamphlets, and other printed material, as well as computers, disks, hard drives, and other electronic or digital storage devices. These examinations are part of CBP's long-standing practice and are essential to uncovering vital law enforcement information. For example, examinations of documents and electronic devices are a crucial tool for detecting information concerning
1. terrorism,
2. narcotics smuggling,
3. and other national security matters;
4. alien admissibility;
5. contraband including child pornography, monetary instruments, and information in violation of copyright or trademark laws;
6. and evidence of embargo violations or other import or export control laws.
Officers may detain documents and electronic devices, or copies thereof, for a reasonable period of time to perform a thorough border search. The search may take place on-site or at an off-site location.
DRI no better: The US Customs will return your laptop, if they don't find any useful data like Osama's email id, but the Indian DRI's fascination for laptops in unfathomable. Even after the investigation is over, even if the laptop is not proposed to be confiscated, they will not return your laptop.
This seems to be an unwritten, illegal policy of India's super sleuths. God knows why! And what do they do with all the unreturned un-confiscated laptops?