American security officials have said they can legally confiscate passengers' laptop computers even if there is no suspicion of wrongdoing. Homeland Security officials explained that the policy applies to anyone entering the United States and is to allow authorities to "review and analyze information" as part of the struggle against terrorism.

Several civil rights advocates and legislators said they will try to change or legislate against the policy. A federal court in April upheld the government's right to search laptops even if there is no suspicion of wrongdoing.