2/24/2017 1 Comment The StingRAy Technology #5Fighting crime has a new technology, and it is raising a good deal of concern in more than one group, and that technology is known as “stingray”. While the technology is rather complicated, how it works is not. Stingray technology enables law enforcement agencies to intercept and alter cell phone communications. It can track, record, and send fake texts, as well as track cell phone users and limit their access to the internet and data. What is disturbing is that this technology is being used in a manner that is legally unchallenged, and it seems to be without any Federal monitoring or protection for the privacy of citizens. In fact, this technology has been considered secret, and it has begun to backfire on multiple police agencies who have used it. Several states have recently put into place laws that mandate police to obtain a warrant before they can set up these fake cell phone towers for surveillance.
The technology works in such a way that instead of having all the cell and internet traffic controlled by a tower, this technology goes into the area and takes over that traffic and then directs it for its own purposes. The upside of this is that should there be a criminal activity or person at work in this area the stingray operation can hack into the cell, or internet service of this individual and manipulate the situation- which is not a bad thing. The problem is that there are literally no checks or balances as to how these local or state agencies are using the technology, and who it affects. Now that the technology has been made public, legal arguments have been made as to the rights of individuals with respect to it, and how it will play out in legal rulings. As of now, there is no clear path about this, but similar to “wiretapping” arguments are made that before any such activity as stingray technology happens that a warrant needs to be served. Additionally, the conduct of police agencies as to how they use this technology must, and should be thoroughly examined and standards should exist. It has recently been exposed that the technology has been used at political rallies, as well as other public events. Does this suggest a possible criminal activity that the police feel justified in monitoring? This is why I feel that standards for the use of this technology must be implemented, as well as the legal aspects fully defined and written into law. Make no mistake, the opportunity in this technology is vast, to be able to intercept criminal, or even terrorist cell and internet communications is truly an immense advantage. However, without regulations and legislation to establish guidelines that will ensure law enforcement agencies comply with strict usage of the technology, we are at risk that the technology may in fact work against us. The use of these kinds of technologies should be developed, but with a clearly defined purpose that serves everyone equally and ethically balanced.
1 Comment
Cammron Keehley
5/23/2017 08:08:50 pm
Hey Luigi,
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