As GPS tags and monitoring equipment reach rock-bottom pricing for law enforcement around the country, they’re being used to track potential criminals’ 24/7 whereabouts far more frequently. Currently, such usage does not require a warrant, but the Washington Post is reporting that growing unrest in the courts and amongst privacy advocates may change that. Nobody’s arguing that it’s not easier and more efficient to track a criminal with a GPS tag than by trailing him with a man in a car, Herc and Carv style (even though they like GPS tags, too). What is being questioned, though, is whether this practice can be put into place to track anyone, without having prior consent for a warrant. Currently the answer is an unofficial (ie: a largely unchallenged) yes, as long as the vehicle is tagged on public property and not, say, in the garage. What privacy advocates are arguing, however, is that GPS tracking without a warrant is now approaching invasive, 24-hour surveillance state levels as the gear gets cheaper and more widespread by the day. A recent ruling by the Washington State Supreme Court is among the first to swing the balance toward requiring warrants for tracking. But until a more definitive ruling, you’ll have to stick with dubious GPS bug detectors if you’re paranoid. [Washington Post via Slashdot]
Privacy & Security
Police Forces Around the Country Are Using GPS Tracking Tags Without Warrants
By
John Mahoney
Reading time 1 minute
Cybersecurity Guides
- • Best Lifetime VPN Subscriptions in 2026: Safer Long-Term Plans
- • Best VPN for Poland in 2026: Tested for Speed and Streaming
- • How to Watch RTÉ Player Outside Ireland in 2026: Live TV and Catch-Up
- • Pornhub in South Dakota: How to Watch It Without an ID in 2026
- • How to Watch Pornhub in Montana: 2026 Steps and Porn Law Explained
Explore more on these topics
Sign up for our newsletters
Subscribe and interact with our community, get up to date with our customised Newsletters and much more.
