Posted on 01/20/2013 2:35:53 AM PST by Las Vegas Dave
The FBI calls it a “sensitive investigative technique” that it wants to keep secret. But newly released documents that shed light on the bureau’s use of a controversial cellphone tracking technology called the “Stingray” have prompted fresh questions over the legality of the spy tool. Functioning as a so-called “cell-site simulator,” the Stingray is a sophisticated portable surveillance device. The equipment is designed to send out a powerful signal that covertly dupes phones within a specific area into hopping onto a fake network. The feds say they use them to target specific groups or individuals and help track the movements of suspects in real time, not to intercept communications. But by design Stingrays, sometimes called “IMSI catchers,” collaterally gather data from innocent bystanders’ phones and can interrupt phone users’ service—which critics say violates a federal communications law. The FBI has maintained that its legal footing here is firm. Now, though, internal documents obtained by the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a civil liberties group, reveal the bureau appears well aware its use of the snooping gear is in dubious territory. Two heavily redacted sets of files released last month show internal Justice Department guidance that relates to the use of the cell tracking equipment, with repeated references to a crucial section of the Communications Act which outlines how “interference” with communication signals is prohibited. It’s a small but significant detail. Why? Because it demonstrates that “there are clearly concerns, even within the agency, that the use of Stingray technology might be inconsistent with current regulations,” says EPIC attorney Alan Butler. “I don't know how the DOJ justifies the use of Stingrays given the limitations of the Communications Act prohibition.”
(Excerpt) Read more at slate.com ...
Does the FBI’s “sensitive investigative technique” also apply to obamaphones??
0bummerPhones are *sacrosanct*; nothing legal or moral applies to them, as long as you are one of the “chosen” who are granted one.
They justify it because Eric Holder runs the joint
Todays FBI is as corrupt as our elections are.
What are Republicans doing in regions that voted 140% for Obama? What is Romney doing about helpin to stop election fraud? Nothing.
There are two types of cell phone signal boosters you can buy for the home. One type uses an external antenna to bring in a clear signal and let you connect using a second small antenna mounted inside...it’s a simple booster.
The second type connects to the cell system using your internet connection and in effect creates a small cell site inside your home that has a small antenna that your phones connect to.
The second type could be firmware hacked to create this FBI “Stingray” device. In fact this may be what they have done.
A Raspberry Pi would make a great low-cost controller for a hacked cell booster...the result would be a portable, hacked cell site in a small package. If you wanted maximum utility then using a powerful tablet or netbook as the controller would be even better.
If you wanted to create the whole system from scratch then it would be possible to stuff it all into a package no larger than a pack of smokes. Placing such a thing inside the targets home, business, and/or car would be optimal.
FBI? America is a bankrupt nation where the Law
only depends on skin color, religion and connections.
I think it is safe to say that this isn't new technology.
No need for Stingray. The carriers can already provide location data anytime it’s needed. Location Based Services is nothing really new.
The carriers’s cell tower network, the radio network if you will, constantly keeps track of which numbers are attached to which tower and adjusts (and bills) accordingly.
It is ‘simple geometry’ to triangulate a phone’s location and bread crumbs.
You can subscribe to services that do this. Check out www.air-watch.com or even AT&ts family map.
No tin foil required.
St Lucie county had a two page ballot with 70% turnout. Not 140% Obama, but 53 to 46%
The scary thing...the whole government is corrupt and the people just suck it down, hook, line and sinker.
Politicians are NOT statesman. The way this government is run, was nothing like the framers intended.
One word comes to mind........Oligarchy.
Note to survivalists, end-timers, and eschatologists of all stripe: DO NOT USE CELL PHONES FOR CRITICAL COMMUNICATIONS!!!!
Well, if the FEDS say it...then it must be the truth!
There is no practical way to use an electronic communications device without the assumption you are being listened to. If you really *have* to communicate that way, you practically have to use military style one-use codes, assuming you don’t care that doing so compromises your locations. And the code does not communicate anything that could be verified with different surveillance.
Cell phones have GPS in them and you can turn it off unless you use 911,so much for secret operations.
Yep, the boyz at the 911 center know where you are. Once you are on the line they have lat and long on you within 3 meters. It’s ALL radio. ALL radios can be listened to by anyone that takes the time to find the frequency with software..
Welcome to the USSA, comrades.
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