> All they do is send you a “love letter” and people have reported receiving future packages just fine.
well, that's what the end user sees, but we can't pretend to know what happens behind the scenes from a data perspective, and how that data might be used in the future.
> They require a court order to open your package and even then can’t charge anyone with possession.
this is not true. only first-class mail (13oz and under) is subject to any fourth amendment protections at all,[1] and your mail can be opened without warrant if it comes from overseas.[2] USPS can also x-ray and use other imaging techniques on whatever they want, they even describe it as a best practice.[3]
this isn't to say dead drops are a better idea; there are plenty of reasons not to go that route as well.
> 4. Can Postal Inspectors open mail if they feel it may contain something illegal?
First-Class letters and parcels are protected against search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, and, as such, cannot be opened without a search warrant. If there is probable cause to believe the contents of a First-Class letter or parcel violate federal law, Postal Inspectors can obtain a search warrant to open the mailpiece. Other classes of mail do not contain private correspondence, and therefore may be opened without a warrant.
Whoa, that's news to me. I didn't realize that any class of mail besides First class is considered to not contain private correspondence.
Postal Inspectors have some strange powers (read up about Comstock laws) - also in the UK BT Security (aka SD or IB) inherited quasi legal powers from its days as part of the post office - you did not want to be investigated by them.
well, that's what the end user sees, but we can't pretend to know what happens behind the scenes from a data perspective, and how that data might be used in the future.
> They require a court order to open your package and even then can’t charge anyone with possession.
this is not true. only first-class mail (13oz and under) is subject to any fourth amendment protections at all,[1] and your mail can be opened without warrant if it comes from overseas.[2] USPS can also x-ray and use other imaging techniques on whatever they want, they even describe it as a best practice.[3]
this isn't to say dead drops are a better idea; there are plenty of reasons not to go that route as well.
1. https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/contactUs/faq.aspx
2. https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/114
3. https://about.usps.com/securing-the-mail/best-practices.htm