An probe is going on regarding the legal use of Data Extraction Devices (DEDs) by the Michigan State Police (MSP). The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is asking for an explanation about how these devices are being used. These relatively new devices can obtain almost all vital information kept in a cell phone. These could consist of contact lists, photos, and even erased messages.
CelleBrite is the manufacturer of this powerful DED. The company said that among its purchasers are Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and some other communications companies. DEDs have been successfully used commercially to transfer data when a phone is upgraded. The same manufacturer explained, on its website, the capacity of the device. Under normal operation, it can retrieve even removed and concealed data, and can access contact lists, photos and text messages.
Critics are not opposed to the nature and function of the devices, but by their use in law enforcement. The concerned groups are not sure whether the devices are lawfully used. The ACLU doubts that there is no privacy violation involved among some people that are searched. For some time, it has been urging the MSP to clarify how the devices are being used. The ACLU also suspects that the tools are being used unlawfully just to obtain information from random people.
The Michigan State Police responded that it is not secretly mining out mobile data during traffic stops. In a statement, it explained how enforcers are going to use the DEDs. An officer cannot use the device if he or she either does not possess a search warrant or has not obtained consent from the holder of the mobile device. In addition, only a specialty team can use the device on criminal cases, such as crime against children.
The MSP was pushed to use DEDs because of the continuing increase in the number of crimes using cell phones. DEDs, it said, are effective investigative tools for obtaining critical information from criminals. These are the reasons given by the Michigan State Police for purchasing and using such devices. The devices were acquired by the MSP in 2006.
A government official said that the legitimate use of data extraction devices must be within well-defined restrictions. However, he said further, it is different for cell phones that are used in the commission of crimes. In this event, confiscated cell phones should be dealt with as sources of essential information. For this reason, the owner or holder should not be given the same level of privacy as those of law-abiding citizens.
Concerned about your privacy? It’s not just phone privacy you should be concerned about. You should also be concerned about your Internet privacy and use an anonymous proxy to protect it.