The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has gained access to a powerful surveillance tool that can track the location of every phone in a neighborhood, raising concerns about the erosion of civil liberties. According to documents obtained by 404 Media, ICE has contracted with a company called Penlink to provide its Tangles and Webloc platforms, which can monitor mobile phones within specific geographic areas and track their movements over time.
This technology allows ICE agents to gather detailed information on individuals' daily activities, including where they live, work, and visit. The agency can use this data to identify and target undocumented immigrants, among others, potentially revealing sensitive personal information about innocent citizens as well.
Critics argue that such a system is "a very dangerous tool in the hands of an out-of-control agency" that could lead to further surveillance and repression of marginalized communities. "This granular location information paints a detailed picture of who we are, where we go, and who we spend time with," said Nathan Freed Wessler, deputy project director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project.
The use of such technology raises significant concerns about government overreach and the erosion of civil liberties. Many argue that it amounts to a "digital dragnet" that could be used to target anyone without due process or oversight.
In other news, Iran has shut down its internet for an unprecedented 24 hours as mass protests unfold across the country. The move is part of a broader crackdown on dissent and attempts to limit the spread of information.
Additionally, Chen Zhi, the alleged boss of a $15 billion scam operation, has been extradited to China from Cambodia, where he was being held. His case is part of a wider crackdown on notorious scam compounds that have stolen billions from people around the world.
Furthermore, Chinese state-backed hackers known as Salt Typhoon have reportedly breached email accounts of US congressional committee staffers, compromising sensitive communications and giving Chinese intelligence valuable insight into US government operations.
As the use of advanced surveillance technologies continues to spread, it is crucial for policymakers to establish clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms to prevent their misuse.
This technology allows ICE agents to gather detailed information on individuals' daily activities, including where they live, work, and visit. The agency can use this data to identify and target undocumented immigrants, among others, potentially revealing sensitive personal information about innocent citizens as well.
Critics argue that such a system is "a very dangerous tool in the hands of an out-of-control agency" that could lead to further surveillance and repression of marginalized communities. "This granular location information paints a detailed picture of who we are, where we go, and who we spend time with," said Nathan Freed Wessler, deputy project director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project.
The use of such technology raises significant concerns about government overreach and the erosion of civil liberties. Many argue that it amounts to a "digital dragnet" that could be used to target anyone without due process or oversight.
In other news, Iran has shut down its internet for an unprecedented 24 hours as mass protests unfold across the country. The move is part of a broader crackdown on dissent and attempts to limit the spread of information.
Additionally, Chen Zhi, the alleged boss of a $15 billion scam operation, has been extradited to China from Cambodia, where he was being held. His case is part of a wider crackdown on notorious scam compounds that have stolen billions from people around the world.
Furthermore, Chinese state-backed hackers known as Salt Typhoon have reportedly breached email accounts of US congressional committee staffers, compromising sensitive communications and giving Chinese intelligence valuable insight into US government operations.
As the use of advanced surveillance technologies continues to spread, it is crucial for policymakers to establish clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms to prevent their misuse.