Federal agents are empowered to seize a traveler's laptop computer or other electronic devices for examination without suspicion of wrongdoing, according to Department of Homeland Security policies.

In addition, authorities may share the laptop's contents with other agencies and private groups for any reason, and they may keep the items for an indefinite period of time, the Washington Post reports.

DHS has defended the policies as necessary to prevent terrorism — the answer to every intrusion into personal liberties these days.

This is not right. Civil liberties and business travel groups have sought the government's help on such procedures because they have inconvenienced international travelers who have had their laptops, cell phones and other digital devices taken and scrutinized.

Should agents be able to "review and analyze information" in the traveler's laptop and other possessions and keep the items indefinitely "absent individualized suspicion," as the policies state?

This is not only a breach of privacy, but an interruption of business in some cases. And the DHS policies apply to "any device capable of storing information in digital or analog form."

Congress reportedly is looking into this, as it should. The procedures are excessive and a violation of individual rights.