Recent revelations have uncovered that many smartphones are being monitored through a tracking tool known as Locate X. This technology, utilized by law enforcement and various state agencies across the U.S., operates without the need for a warrant, raising significant privacy concerns.
Locate X, developed by a data surveillance company, has garnered attention since a 2020 report revealed controversial state contracts associated with its use. However, new insights into the functionality of this tool have emerged, shining a light on its implications for personal privacy.
Concerns Over Tracking Abortion Clinic Visits
In a recent demonstration, Locate X successfully traced a specific cell phone’s movements, illustrating the alarming capabilities of this tool. The tracking showcased a phone traveling from a residence in Alabama to various locations, including a church and an abortion clinic in Florida, where it reportedly lingered for two hours.
This incident is particularly significant in light of Alabama’s strict abortion laws enacted since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. States like Alabama have aggressively pursued additional measures to penalize those seeking abortions elsewhere, such as Florida, where access is still permitted under certain conditions.
Notably, the tracking data in this case was obtained without a warrant. While Locate X itself does not directly identify the phone’s user, it raises questions about the potential for law enforcement to employ other resources to unmask individuals associated with tracked devices.
The trial demonstrating Locate X’s capabilities was not commissioned by law enforcement but was instead accessed by a data removal company. This organization, which is currently engaged in legal action against data brokers, easily acquired the trial under the guise of being a private investigation agency, revealing potential loopholes in regulatory oversight.
Despite technological advancements aimed at enhancing privacy by companies like Apple and Google, third-party applications, advertisers, and data brokers continue to gather substantial amounts of user information, facilitating the operation of tracking tools like Locate X.
Amid these developments, recent actions include a lawsuit filed against the tool’s developer, alleging violations of privacy laws designed to protect sensitive data from governmental access.
For individuals concerned about their privacy and potential tracking through tools like Locate X, it remains advisable to disable mobile app location tracking permissions.
Topics
Cybersecurity
Privacy
