Comments on: New Fed warrantless GPS trackers discovered in the wild http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Mon, 20 May 2013 16:16:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: D Wyatt http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1269277 D Wyatt Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:32:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1269277 Nailed it on all three counts.   Its like we can see the future sometimes isnt it.       It seems almost obvious that a poorly run corporation such as our government, given the opportunity and ability to cut in on a profitable market, would surely do so.  Possibly even outright steal ideas or valuable information intercepted from phones, emails, and very probably from the many physical items that now go through customs or even airport scrutiny. It really is wicked times we live in.  Good honest men have more to fear from their own government than they do criminals and terrorists combined. I had to add this edit, This is the cost of giving up our very real freedom for a fake sense of "Security" of which nobody can truly provide. Nailed it on all three counts.   Its like we can see the future sometimes isnt it.
      It seems almost obvious that a poorly run corporation such as our government, given the opportunity and ability to cut in on a profitable market, would surely do so.  Possibly even outright steal ideas or valuable information intercepted from phones, emails, and very probably from the many physical items that now go through customs or even airport scrutiny.

It really is wicked times we live in.  Good honest men have more to fear from their own government than they do criminals and terrorists combined.

I had to add this edit, This is the cost of giving up our very real freedom for a fake sense of “Security” of which nobody can truly provide.

]]> By: katkins http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1267497 katkins Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:13:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1267497 Since they seem to count on quick retrieval, I sorta think it would be fun to superglue it in place.   Then maybe add suture superglue blisters on the likely handholds.  Attach it to something that unlatches the trunk when pulled on...  put mousetraps on it...  Where's Macaulay Culkin when you need him...? Since they seem to count on quick retrieval, I sorta think it would be fun to superglue it in place.   Then maybe add suture superglue blisters on the likely handholds.  Attach it to something that unlatches the trunk when pulled on…  put mousetraps on it… 

Where’s Macaulay Culkin when you need him…?

]]> By: John Ridley http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266793 John Ridley Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:23:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266793 Despite having had all the standard fantasies of attaching it to a city bus or a police cruiser, or putting it in a box and FedExing it to the FBI headquarters, I'd probably just remove it to my passenger compartment, then while driving down a bumpy gravel road or a road with some big potholes, throw it out the window by a big bump.  "Gee, must have  just shaken loose." Or take the battery out and drop it into an ammo box where it couldn't communicate (I'd do both), so that you could call up Wired or someone to see if they wanted to see it.  The owners would probably assume it dropped out while in transit and broke or the battery fell out. Despite having had all the standard fantasies of attaching it to a city bus or a police cruiser, or putting it in a box and FedExing it to the FBI headquarters, I’d probably just remove it to my passenger compartment, then while driving down a bumpy gravel road or a road with some big potholes, throw it out the window by a big bump.  “Gee, must have  just shaken loose.”

Or take the battery out and drop it into an ammo box where it couldn’t communicate (I’d do both), so that you could call up Wired or someone to see if they wanted to see it.  The owners would probably assume it dropped out while in transit and broke or the battery fell out.

]]> By: Martijn http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266712 Martijn Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:07:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266712 I completely agree. The US used to be this wonderful place, land of the free, etc. Now it barely distinguishable from a police state. I certainly have no intention to submit myself to invasive TSA groping, risk of long term arrest without trial or charges, or the possibility that police might assault me for no reason with impunity. USA, you've become a scary place. I completely agree. The US used to be this wonderful place, land of the free, etc. Now it barely distinguishable from a police state. I certainly have no intention to submit myself to invasive TSA groping, risk of long term arrest without trial or charges, or the possibility that police might assault me for no reason with impunity.

USA, you’ve become a scary place.

]]> By: Rah El http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266710 Rah El Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:06:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266710 USA ლ(ಠ益ಠლ) Y U NO LAND OF THE FREE ANYMORE? scnr. USA
ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)
Y U NO LAND OF THE FREE ANYMORE?

scnr.

]]> By: Martijn http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266706 Martijn Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:03:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266706 That's exactly what I was thinking. If you find an unknown device on your car, who says it's not a bomb? In the post-9/11 world, shouldn't every law-abiding citizen assume the worst and call 911 to report a possible bomb or who knows what it might be? Let them pull out in full force. At the very least, they'll be pissed for wasting resources on some illegal tracking device. Maybe they'll leave it there and have to explain to you that some agency is tracking you, or they'll confiscate it and the agency will have to plant a new one, after which the circus starts over again. That’s exactly what I was thinking. If you find an unknown device on your car, who says it’s not a bomb? In the post-9/11 world, shouldn’t every law-abiding citizen assume the worst and call 911 to report a possible bomb or who knows what it might be?

Let them pull out in full force. At the very least, they’ll be pissed for wasting resources on some illegal tracking device. Maybe they’ll leave it there and have to explain to you that some agency is tracking you, or they’ll confiscate it and the agency will have to plant a new one, after which the circus starts over again.

]]> By: Marco Antonio Morales http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266630 Marco Antonio Morales Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:03:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266630 USA, where are you headed? And I seriously ponder, as I look at the big picture and all the news that come out of the States. Sometimes it's the small details - like this one, that make me wonder. What is the cumulative effect? Or rather - what are these symptoms a sign of? What's still to come? I once wanted to live and work there, marvel at all that was wonderful in the US. Now I rather watch from the distance and sometimes, I even try to look the other way. USA, where are you headed?

And I seriously ponder, as I look at the big picture and all the news that come out of the States. Sometimes it’s the small details – like this one, that make me wonder. What is the cumulative effect? Or rather – what are these symptoms a sign of? What’s still to come?

I once wanted to live and work there, marvel at all that was wonderful in the US. Now I rather watch from the distance and sometimes, I even try to look the other way.

]]> By: Christopher Miller http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266512 Christopher Miller Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:32:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266512 They hand you the warrant and you read it. They hand you the warrant and you read it.

]]> By: Michael Hasse http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266495 Michael Hasse Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:13:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266495 Are there any banana-shaped minecraft blocks? Are there any banana-shaped minecraft blocks?

]]> By: Carlton http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266475 Carlton Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:29:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266475 How can you tell the difference between one of those and some sort of IED?  I'd call the bomb squad just to be safe, and hopefully they'll blow up my piece of crap car so I can finally feel good about getting a new one. How can you tell the difference between one of those and some sort of IED?  I’d call the bomb squad just to be safe, and hopefully they’ll blow up my piece of crap car so I can finally feel good about getting a new one.

]]> By: ackpht http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266472 ackpht Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:13:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266472 I'd just remove it from the car and place it at the end of the driveway with a sign that said "$20". It would disappear within the hour, and no, I wouldn't have the faintest idea what happened to it. I’d just remove it from the car and place it at the end of the driveway with a sign that said “$20″. It would disappear within the hour, and no, I wouldn’t have the faintest idea what happened to it.

]]> By: TNGMug http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266431 TNGMug Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:13:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266431 As hillarious as FedexIng  it to China or attaching it to a freight car would be to "screw with them", if you're talking about civil servents acting above the law, raising their ire and comming home to your house being searched probably isn't the best plan. I'd talk to a lawyer and file suit.  You can sue the government. As hillarious as FedexIng  it to China or attaching it to a freight car would be to “screw with them”, if you’re talking about civil servents acting above the law, raising their ire and comming home to your house being searched probably isn’t the best plan.

I’d talk to a lawyer and file suit.  You can sue the government.

]]> By: KeithAnselm http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266353 KeithAnselm Thu, 10 Nov 2011 01:06:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266353 That would never pass. That would never pass.

]]> By: The Chemist http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266339 The Chemist Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:44:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266339 Congratulations- you've just diagnosed another aspect of how broken this system is. We can't trust the FBI to get warrants and obey the law- so we don't know that what they're doing is legal. A major problem for a law-enforcement agency, wouldn't you say? Congratulations- you’ve just diagnosed another aspect of how broken this system is. We can’t trust the FBI to get warrants and obey the law- so we don’t know that what they’re doing is legal.

A major problem for a law-enforcement agency, wouldn’t you say?

]]> By: machinestate http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266338 machinestate Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:43:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266338 Also if you find one of these, you're supposed to turn it in to your local police so they can send it back to whomever planted it on you, and they can plant a new one on you.  Actually they'll probably just start leaving your car alone, and begin "picket surveillance".  If you have nothing to hide, this is the best solution - makes your surveillance much, much more expensive for the spooks.  If you find one and don't turn it in or report it to the cops, the agency who planted the device can and will charge you with tampering with federal comms and a list of other related shit - you won't get away with pleading ignorance. Also if you find one of these, you’re supposed to turn it in to your local police so they can send it back to whomever planted it on you, and they can plant a new one on you.  Actually they’ll probably just start leaving your car alone, and begin “picket surveillance”.  If you have nothing to hide, this is the best solution – makes your surveillance much, much more expensive for the spooks. 
If you find one and don’t turn it in or report it to the cops, the agency who planted the device can and will charge you with tampering with federal comms and a list of other related shit – you won’t get away with pleading ignorance.

]]> By: machinestate http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266333 machinestate Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:38:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266333  bugsweeps have been on the market on for years, and most 4-year EE grads can make their own.  It takes a long time to adequately sweep a car or room for transmitters, but even the most sophisticated modulation technique will have a carrier signature to give it away.  But if the tracker is smartly programmed to transmit periodically rather than continuously, you'll likely never sniff the carrier out.  bugsweeps have been on the market on for years, and most 4-year EE grads can make their own.  It takes a long time to adequately sweep a car or room for transmitters, but even the most sophisticated modulation technique will have a carrier signature to give it away.  But if the tracker is smartly programmed to transmit periodically rather than continuously, you’ll likely never sniff the carrier out.

]]> By: twichy http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266328 twichy Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:30:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266328 Make sure you call from a payphone. :-) Make sure you call from a payphone. :-)

]]> By: chellberty http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266310 chellberty Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:05:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266310 hey commie that is just how we do it hear in amerka. hey commie that is just how we do it hear in amerka.

]]> By: cfuse http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266299 cfuse Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:40:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266299 There's always wifi signals. APs can be little landmarks all on their own. There’s always wifi signals. APs can be little landmarks all on their own.

]]> By: digi_owl http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266291 digi_owl Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:29:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266291 Their stealth comes from not knowing what department they represent, and as such can toss any complaint back and forth until the complainer gives up in frustration... Their stealth comes from not knowing what department they represent, and as such can toss any complaint back and forth until the complainer gives up in frustration…

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266285 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:24:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266285 Love, love, love. Love, love, love.

]]> By: Warren_Terra http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266279 Warren_Terra Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:15:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266279 Not really sure it's legal to mail unknown and unidentified active electronics. Not really sure it’s legal to mail unknown and unidentified active electronics.

]]> By: Quiche de Resistance http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266278 Quiche de Resistance Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:13:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266278 Je veux ton amor. Et je veux ta revanche. Je veux ton amor. Et je veux ta revanche.

]]> By: Quiche de Resistance http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266276 Quiche de Resistance Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:12:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266276 Old people. Old people.

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266275 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:11:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266275 Fill it with catnip and suspend it over Little Chicago.  Don't forget to leave the trapdoor open. Fill it with catnip and suspend it over Little Chicago.  Don’t forget to leave the trapdoor open.

]]> By: we_the_people324 http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266267 we_the_people324 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:03:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266267 Or go find a random ass police car, double take to make sure your not being watched, and slap that puppy underneath the baconmobile. Or go find a random ass police car, double take to make sure your not being watched, and slap that puppy underneath the baconmobile.

]]> By: we_the_people324 http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266264 we_the_people324 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:00:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266264 I believe that requires intent, and since you don't know that its US property, i doubt it would hold up in court. Besides, i don't think "they" would want to make a bid deal out of this or prosecute cuz that would bring them under public scrutiny. I believe that requires intent, and since you don’t know that its US property, i doubt it would hold up in court. Besides, i don’t think “they” would want to make a bid deal out of this or prosecute cuz that would bring them under public scrutiny.

]]> By: we_the_people324 http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266260 we_the_people324 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:56:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266260 Or mail it to the FBI/DHS headquarters with a nice little note telling them they're it, and its their turn to try and hide it somewhere where i can't find it. Egregious violations of civil rights and privacy can be fun you know..... Or mail it to the FBI/DHS headquarters with a nice little note telling them they’re it, and its their turn to try and hide it somewhere where i can’t find it. Egregious violations of civil rights and privacy can be fun you know…..

]]> By: DevinC http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266244 DevinC Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:43:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266244 I think a better idea would just be to stop on a street and leave it in a puddle.  This way, though there are fewer lulz, there's no way they can prove it didn't just fall off.  No need to give them the idea that you are on to them. I think a better idea would just be to stop on a street and leave it in a puddle.  This way, though there are fewer lulz, there’s no way they can prove it didn’t just fall off.  No need to give them the idea that you are on to them.

]]> By: ChicagoD http://boingboing.net/2011/11/09/new-fed-warrantless-gps-trackers-discovered-in-the-wild.html#comment-1266236 ChicagoD Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:37:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=128259#comment-1266236 I'm not that quick a thinker. In fact, I can't really conceive of anyone wanting to track or explode my car, so it is pretty theoretical to me. You make a good point though. I’m not that quick a thinker. In fact, I can’t really conceive of anyone wanting to track or explode my car, so it is pretty theoretical to me. You make a good point though.

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