Originally Posted by
Vidiot
(my ellipsis)
That's astounding, and I can't think of a single security-related reason for that. (I can think of several reasons behind that, but they have all to do with authoritarianism and control.) That seems like a civil-rights violation in itself. TSOs are now asserting that they have the authority to compel you not to speak?
Had this happen to me in Portland way before 9/11 and in ABQ not long after 9/11. This is correct information: if you or your traveling companion alarm in any way, you are prohibited from speaking to each other.