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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.

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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.

"...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.

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