ACLU Concerned With Michigan Police Using Mobile Phone Scanners
The Michigan Police Department have a new device at their disposal and its being billed as a “mobile forensics tool.” The device allows an officer to bypass all security on a mobile phone and obtain private information such as call records, pictures, text messages and so on. If used as intended, this device could be a great help at aiding an investigation of a kidnapping or homicide (like the location of a victim’s last known where-abouts).
Now, this invasion of privacy has attracted the attention of the ACLU. Their main concern is with the devices being used on small, everyday traffic stops and violations. Although, there’s no indication of any wrong doing or abuse, I can see how its something worth looking into.
The Michigan police department have yet to release to the public information regarding the program but are asking for half a million dollars to disclose such info. If I was a Michigan resident, I would feel entitled to knowing what my rights are regarding this new technology being used in an unreasonable search of my phone.
What I would really like to know is how you, a tax payer, would feel about your police department using devices like these and not disclosing how the information is being used, enforced and kept secured? Does the existence of such a device make you feel more secure in your government? Or do you see this as yet another way Big Brother can keep an eye on you?
[Via TheNewsPaper]