This is different than a security check. TSA is looking for dangerous, or banned items - "is this safe to fly?". If they happen to find signs of criminal activ

This is different than a security check. TSA is looking for dangerous, or banned items - "is this safe to fly?". If they happen to find signs of criminal activity, they will turn you over to the police. TSA can examine your laptop, but they can't force you to open files or give them the password. They also claim that this is voluntary (you're flying instead of driving). Border agents are making sure you are not a criminal from the get-go. They have asserted that they can take your laptop bag from you nearly-indefinitely to do a full forensic analysis, without your consent. This is certainly not voluntary as all means of transport can result in a border check, and I have a right to enter my own country.