Sunday, November 25, 2007

Securing the Blessings of Liberty in Washington

Federal officials are routinely asking courts to order cellphone companies to furnish real-time tracking data so they can pinpoint the whereabouts of drug traffickers, fugitives and other criminal suspects, according to judges and industry lawyers.

In some cases, judges have granted the requests without requiring the government to demonstrate that there is probable cause to believe that a crime is taking place or that the inquiry will yield evidence of a crime.
Oh, now, come on. I'm sure they need this tool to help track Homegrown Terrorists.

[Via AvgJoe]

4 comments:

  1. And here is another reason, why I don't have a cellphone. The main reason being, I just don't need one.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Problem is.... if you think you can avoid this kind of crap by becoming a pseudo-amish you are mistaken. Whatever you own or do, you will be tracked in some way if they decide to. Don't imagine you are safe if you don't have a cell phone. You would also need to not have a car, a computer, a home phone, an address, a drivers license, a library card, friends, enemies, a job, a credit card, a bank account, a face or fingerprints.... you get the idea.

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  3. Kent,
    Some of the problem is with the real-time tracking abilities. While you are correct that they can compile all sorts of data and track you pretty well with any of the items that you listed, in order to do real-time tracking they need something transmitting your location. The 2 big offenders currently are your cellphone and your car, if it is a newer model. Admittedly, in the not too distant future your drivers license will also serve the same purpose, thanks to Real Id. As is, while they are able to track likely locations, unless they get a hit on one of the sadly common cameras they do not know your exact location 24/7 without the cellphone or car.

    ReplyDelete
  4. hA thin lead sheath for your driver's license will protect it from damage ;)

    ReplyDelete

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