Re: the "gross violation of privacy" didn't even think about that at all.
My thoughts:
I would argue though that (subject to "infection" risk) it is no different than looking in a wallet to find the owner or looking into a laptop bag.
Entirely possible that the USB contains identifying information that can help locate the owner.
Re:Ask HN: Saw a USB stick didn't pick it up
by jacquesm on Sunday June 21, 2015 @03:45PM
(#9754695)
Wallets contain money, driving licenses and credit cards and such. USB drives may contain peoples lives, incriminating information, pictures that you wished you had not seen, state secrets and so on. Once you read that data you move yourself into a position of some responsibility and then your question is a harder one than the one that you asked above.
That's why I'd destroy the stick if not properly claimed.
Re:Ask HN: Saw a USB stick didn't pick it up
by greenyoda on Sunday June 21, 2015 @03:59PM
(#9754764)
"...incriminating information, pictures that you wished you had not seen ..."
Since the device might contain photos that are illegal to merely possess, I'd be worried about even carrying it in my pocket or keeping it in my home. I'd just leave it where it was, hoping the owner would come back for it.
"<...> peoples lives, incriminating information, pictures that you wished you had not seen, state secrets and so on <...>"
if anyone puts any of this on USB sticks and carry them around daily, I must say they are not very smart.
I'd never attempt to read it, for one that would be a gross violation of the privacy of whoever owned the stick in the first place, second it might be placed there on purpose.
But if someone simply lost it the right thing would be for them to have it back.