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The FBI is operating a small air force with scores of low-flying planes across the country carrying video and, at times, using cellphone surveillance technology — all hidden behind fictitious companies that are fronts for the government, per the Associated Press. The planes' surveillance equipment is generally used without a judge's approval.
From the article:
U.S. law enforcement officials confirmed for the first time the wide-scale use of the aircraft, which the AP traced to at least 13 fake companies, such as FVX Research, KQM Aviation, NBR Aviation and PXW Services. Even basic aspects of the program are withheld from the public in censored versions of official reports from the Justice Department's inspector general.
At least one Senator, Charles Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is concerned:
It's important that federal law enforcement personnel have the tools they need to find and catch criminals. But whenever an operation may also monitor the activities of Americans who are not the intended target, we must make darn sure that safeguards are in place to protect the civil liberties of innocent Americans.
These planes have the capability of mimicking cell towers and monitoring cell phones in the area, even if not in use. The FBI isn't the only agency doing this either, apparently. The DEA and Marshall's service also are operating their own fleets.
Original Submission
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday June 04 2015, @01:04PM
The "You can't handle the truth." types are in control.
This is a good point. Whenever I am presented with the "You can't handle the truth", I always reply with: "Really? Try me... I think you underestimate me".
Invariably, the follow up to that is then always "but but... errr... terrorists, means, methods, technologies, you wouldn't understand and I can't tell you anyway"
It's all bullshit because they know they are doing stuff they shouldn't be. That is the only reason they keep things like this secret.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday June 04 2015, @03:17PM
those who can't see the truth staring them plainly in the face most definitely can't handle the truth.
Its a secret because making all the details public would give the subjects of the investigations all the knowledge they need to avoid the surveillance. Duh.
That said, I would prefer to live with bad guys in a 'stand your ground' / 'open carry' state than to live in a mythical utopian police state.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday June 04 2015, @06:21PM
Its more the fact that its illegal that its secret. Its the citizens' responsibility to rage when their government thinks its above the law, but if the citizens never know then they just remain placated little sheep like always.