(1) Laptops are really a legit threat in the passenger cabin, but not in the cargo hold. Frankly, I think a lithium fire (causing other batteries to catch fire) in the cargo area is terrifying — no way to put it out, remember the Valujet flight in the 90s?
(2) It’s an excuse to examine laptop hard drives without passenger knowledge, or install malware. Less bad publicity than requesting access and bullying passengers who don’t give consent.
(3) It’s a way to bully France for not voting for the female version of Trump.
Also, will passengers be allowed to remove the HDD and bring it as carry-on to avoid data theft even if their device is stolen?
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