NYPD admits to using "Stringrays," military tech that sweeps up cell data

2016-02-11T19:20:00-05:00

The NYPD has used cell-site simulators, commonly known as Stingrays, more than 1,000 times since 2008, according to documents turned over to the [NYCLU]. The documents represent the first time the department has acknowledged using the devices. The NYPD also disclosed that it does not get a warrant before using a Stingray, which sweeps up massive amounts of data. Instead, the police obtain a “pen register order” from a court... [which] do not require the police to establish probable cause...

Stingrays operate by imitating cell phone towers, sweeping up massive amounts of user data without their knowledge or permission. They force cell phones to connect to them and then track the user's location. Originally a military technology, they have been increasingly bought and used by local and state police forces, despite concerns that they violate fundamental rights to privacy.

Broadly speaking, police forces have been reticent to disclose if they possess or employ Stingrays, and have fought efforts to regulate their use.

For more information on surveillance in the modern city, check out these links:

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NYPD admits to using "Stringrays," military tech that sweeps up cell data