Current Events                                                                                 Cade Gilbreath

 

My article is about the use of technologies that track mobile phones by law enforcement. The title is “US tightens mobile phone tracking rules.” I got the article from bbc.com. In the past, law enforcement agencies such as the FBI did not need to obtain a warrant to use cell-tracking technology, but new rules have been set into effect that will force law enforcement to get a warrant before tracking cell phones. The technology works by imitating a cell tower and connecting to every phone in range of them, then using the information provided over the cellular network to locate the exact position of the phone’s user. The technology can also be used to collect call records, text messages, and emails stored on the phone. The ACLU called the rules a “positive first step,” but expressed concern over some parts of the new rules. Although many agencies such as the FBI now have to obtain a search warrant before using cell-tracking equipment, there are still many police departments and other federal organizations that can freely use the equipment without consulting a judge first. I agree with the ACLU on the fact that these rules are a positive first step. I also believe that the use of these devices should always require a warrant; law enforcement or government officials should not be allowed to track anyone’s phone for any reason. This event affects me because I have a cell phone. It’s not a good thing that the new rules allow for “limited exceptions.” In my opinion, any law enforcement agency could use this loophole to track phones for any reason, claiming that it is an exception. The gap in the rules allows agents to access most of the information on a person’s phone without even obtaining a warrant first. This event impacts the world because this technology’s function is very similar to the technology used by the NSA to unethically collect phone and email data on Americans and people in other nations for years, until the public finally found out through an employee’s leak. The government has since claimed to have stopped spying on Americans, but as long as this technology is available for use without even getting a warrant, how can we be sure that our phone calls and text messages aren’t being sifted through by some federal agent eating donuts at his desk? This event is important because it affects the world’s right to privacy and American’s freedom to assemble without government supervision.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34145162