Clearing browser history can be deemed obstruction of justice

> Whoever knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States or any case filed under title 11, or in relation to or contemplation of any such matter or case, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

The complaint appears to be that (a) the investigation does not actually have to have commenced for the law to apply and (b) the penalty for destruction of records can far exceed the original crime's penalty.

e.g. did you do videotape you and your friends doing something stupid and illegal that might merit you a citation? And then, upon sober second thought, delete the video? You just committed a far greater crime.

That this law, which was created to rein in corporate crime, is being applied in other contexts suggests that the legislators didn't really think through the ramifications of how this tool might be used by prosecutors.