Q: i have some software programs on disk(downloaded from net),family images and videos.no porn of any kind(pics or video).movies are some new some old.about 80 gb of movies...does custom oficers will plug disk on and look what is on it?or best is to erase this movies?i did not find the time to look them all...ps.sorry on my english writing
A: Customs in Australia (and frankly, any country at all) is authorized to seize, view, or question you about the contents of any electrical device you bring into their country. Now, the truth is that bootleg (copyrighted) movies are very low on their list of things they are interested in. They are primarily interested in knowing if you are bringing in non-native plants, weapons, currency, etc. In Commonwealth countries, they are not allowed to view the contents of your COMPUTER without a prior reason to believe there is something illegal in your data (like child pornography). Now the big problem is that your EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE is not a COMPUTER. It is therefore exempt from this prerequisite and they can view its contents if they desire without any reason other than they want to, or are suspicious of you for some reason, or even if you are simply chosen for a random search. They would likely ask your permission first, but if you said no, that in itself would be more reason for them to be suspicious! In short, if you are worried about getting caught with illegal movies...store them in your laptop, not your external harddrive. Or better yet, just don't bring them. You can rent all the movies you want at most video kiosks in Australia for a very small fee.