Anyone who wonders just how intrusive the U.S. government is becoming need only note the changes at the U.S.-Canadian border.

The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that it intends to search laptop computers and other electronic devices at land crossings. No suspicion of criminal wrongdoing is needed, the department says. Presumably then, anyone could be singled out for such treatment.

DHS also said it will keep a record of every person who enters the United States at land crossings, and maintain that information for 15 years.

Air passengers entering the country have been subject to these policies already. Laptops have been seized and searched at airports, and each air traveler's name, address, age and citizenship have been recorded as they present their passport at U.S. Customs.

Courts have upheld the government's right to seize and search laptops from people entering the country. Homeland Security says the threat of terrorism makes the policies necessary and cites the possibility of discovering child pornography as an additional reason.

The laptop searches potentially complicate the business traveler's situation. Customs agents are able to keep the computers or other electronic items indefinitely for review, if they choose. If there are corporate secrets or confidential business information, they are no longer secret or confidential. Such seizures can interfere with business transactions.

In general, the idea that agents can rummage through personal data on cell phones or laptops is disconcerting and dismaying. It is intrusive.

These policies take their toll on personal freedom and privacy. The U.S.-Canadian border is no exception; security is stricter than before, and likely to tighten further. It is no wonder business and tourism groups are concerned that the stricter climate will hamper cross-border travel.

We need to make sure that does not happen. Freedom should not be a casualty of our resolve to guard against terrorism.