Destino Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 The Michigan State Police have started using handheld machines called "extraction devices" to download personal information from motorists they pull over, even if they're not suspected of any crime. Naturally, the ACLU has a problem with this.The devices, sold by a company called Cellebrite, can download text messages, photos, video, and even GPS data from most brands of cell phones. The handheld machines have various interfaces to work with different models and can even bypass security passwords and access some information. The problem as the ACLU sees it, is that accessing a citizen's private phone information when there's no probable cause creates a violation of the Constitution's 4th Amendment, which protects us against unreasonable searches and seizures. To that end, it's petitioning the MSP to turn over information about its use of the devices under the Freedom of Information Act. The MSP said it's happy to comply, that is, if the ACLU provides them with a processing fee in excess of $500,000. That's more than $100,000 for each of the five devices the MSP says it has in use. Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20055431-1.html#ixzz1K5ixWDAw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGoodBits Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 "Good Afternoon Officer, was I speeding?" "Well I clocked you at 60 in a 55, but according to your phone's GPS data you averaged 70mph over the past 5 miles. Here's your ticket." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sacase Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 MSP is not going to be on the good side of this. Not only are they wrong for downloading cell phone data, but to change an exhorbant fee for a legit FOIA request I believe is against the law. Bad juju here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teller Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 There is absolutely no possible way to justify this. None. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destino Posted April 20, 2011 Author Share Posted April 20, 2011 If it downloads emails they are going to be sued by a lot more people than just the ACLU. More than a few companies issue phones specifically to ensure private information doesn't get out and I doubt very strongly they'll want that in the hands of officers with no liability risk associated with that information. This is an amazing invasion of privacy in a world filled with smart phones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AsburySkinsFan Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 There is absolutely no possible way to justify this. None. Wow we agree...but then you're drunk so I'm not sure it still counts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubbs Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 I hope the hammer comes down hard on whoever thought this was a good idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AsburySkinsFan Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 I hope the hammer comes down hard on whoever thought this was a good idea. The governor will probably just say that Jan Brewer told him it was a good idea at the last governor's meeting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teller Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 Wow we agree...but then you're drunk so I'm not sure it still counts. I am. And my boss is FURIOUS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destino Posted April 20, 2011 Author Share Posted April 20, 2011 I hope the hammer comes down hard on whoever thought this was a good idea. It won't. This is the same state that passed the Emergency Manager Law that allows the governor to strip away all powers from duly elected local officials. It's the biggest of big government (guess the party). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koolblue13 Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 My personal freedom only gets me in trouble. I should have no right to it. Thanks Dad, um, I mean police force. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Mike Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 There isn't one thing remaining in the patriot act that does not require a warrant, and the act exists for the important cause of protecting innocent American lives. Therefore I support it. This however, is a gross violation of constitutional rights for no other reason than because they have the technology to do so. Who ever approved this needs to be prosecuted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 There is absolutely no possible way to justify this. None. Totally agree. This is outrageous. ~Bang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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