How likely are electronic devices to be checked at Canadian customs?

[armchairviking]

I will be travelling to Toronto in the Fall via an international flight which also has a layover in Germany.

The thing is, my storage devices have a whole bunch of pirated movies, shows and songs. How likely is it that my electronic items might get checked by officials at the airport? What happens if they come across any pirated content during such a check?

 

[bellaluna]

Highly unlikely

 

[vkamath]

I have watched many Border crossing documentaries there have been cases where the officer suspected something and went on to check laptops phones hard drives. I recommend deleting all such content from your hard disk during a border crossing. It is not worth it.

Remember piracy is illegal in Canada and many countries. They could fine you or seize your electronic gadgets. Please read about it on CBSA website.

 

[armchairviking]

I have watched many Border crossing documentaries there have been cases where the officer suspected something and went on to check laptops phones hard drives. I recommend deleting all such content from your hard disk during a border crossing. It is not worth it.

Remember piracy is illegal in Canada and many countries. They could fine you or seize your electronic gadgets. Please read about it on CBSA website.

The CBSA site seems to suggests that such a check is highly unlikely (a chance of 0.01%), and the search seems to be regarding illegal pornography or dangerous stuff: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/edd-ean-eng.html

 

[Ponga]

Perhaps Having music, movies, etc. that are pirated, while a violation of Int'l Copyright laws, would likely not be deemed something "that pose a threat to public safety", but are still a violation of Int'l Copyright laws.