FBI’s Use of Surveillance Equipment Raises Privacy Concerns
Should the FBI be allowed to place GPS surveillance devices on peoples’ cars without their knowledge?
Yassir Afifi, a resident of California, found out the hard way that the FBI can use GPS devices to track people – without obtaining a search warrant.
When Afifi took his car in for an oil change, his mechanic discovered a black rectangular device attached to it. Afifi posted pictures of the device on an online forum, and several people identified it as a GPS tracking device.
Shortly after, FBI agents visited his house and demanded their surveillance equipment back.
9th Circuit Court of Appeals Says GPS Tracking Devices Are Permissible
Afifi doesn’t understand why the FBI was allowed to put a tracking device on his car without his knowledge, or why they were targeting him in the first place.
The FBI says that using GPS tracking is the electronic version of the physical surveillance they ordinarily do to gather investigative information. The FBI ordinarily tails people to track their activities. With today’s technology, they can monitor them using GPS.
Civil rights groups consider the FBI’s use of GPS tracking devices to be intrusive. However, in January of this year, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that it is permissible for law enforcement agents to attach GPS devices to vehicles without search warrants.
This does not mean that law enforcement agencies are allowed to use any and all types of surveillance equipment without obtaining warrants. However, GPS devices are allowed – at least for now.
Afifi Isn’t the First to be Targeted by GPS Tracking
Once Afifi’s story became public knowledge, he learned that he was not the only one the FBI was tacking using GPS. Another Northern California man, Abdo Alwareeth, found a GPS device on his car two years ago.
He is still trying to gather information and find out why he was targeted by the FBI, and why they were allowed to track him without his knowledge. He hasn’t had any success with the complaints he has filed. Instead, he and his wife check under their cars every day for tracking devices.
Should the FBI be Allowed to Use Electronic Surveillance Equipment without Obtaining a Warrant?
Afifi’s case has raised several privacy concerns. The FBI maintains that keeping tabs on people is an essential part of a law enforcement official’s job. In addition, the surveillance equipment they are using does not have video capabilities, so a certain level of privacy is still maintained.
However, by simply tracking someone’s everyday activities you can still learn a great deal about them. And for these two men who realized they were being followed 24 hours a day, their idea of privacy will forever be shattered.
Do you think the FBI should be allowed to use GPS devices and other electronic surveillance equipment without obtaining a warrant? Learn more about the uses of surveillance equipment and make your decision today.
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