CELL-TRACKING BILLS REQUIRE INFO DUMP FOR MISSING PERSONS

Mobile phone companies would have to immediately turn over location data to emergency responders to help them quickly track missing persons, if any one of the four bills floating in the House get traction. The law already allows, but does not automatically require, phone companies to turn over ping data from cell towers in emergency situations absent court warrants. The proposals would require telcos to promptly hand over the information if authorities tell them that harm or death are imminent.

At first glance, one might think the bills are a slippery slope toward requiring telcos to release such information during any criminal investigation, even when there is no pending emergency. But the Obama administration has jumped feet first into that slippery slope, and is seeking such information, without a court warrant, in a pending drug case. [emphasis mine]

“But the Obama administration has jumped feet first into that slippery slope, and is seeking such information, without a court warrant, in a pending drug case.” (No! Really?)

Again, folks, we’re just one more step closer to the forced  microchipping of all of us in case of an “emergency.” (After all, not everyone owns a cellphone in order to be tracked down in case of an “emergency.” Even if you do own a cellphone, what if you forgot your cellphone the day of your “emergency,” or perhaps your cellphone battery ran out of power? A permanently-implanted microchip is so much more secure and efficient in case of an “emergency.”)

[Thanks to Mark Fee]