Millions of cars tracked across US in 'massive' real-time spying program

[Newsjock]

Source: The Guardian

The United States government is tracking the movement of vehicles around the country in a clandestine intelligence-gathering programme that has been condemned as a further official exercise to build a database on people’s lives.

The Drug Enforcement Administration was monitoring license plates on a “massive” scale, giving rise to “major civil liberties concerns”, the American Civil Liberties Union said on Monday night, citing DEA documents obtained under freedom of information.

... The Wall Street Journal, citing official documents and anonymous officials, reported that the programme built a national database to track vehicles in real time and stored hundreds of millions of records about motorists.

The primary goal was to seize cars, cash and other assets to combat drug trafficking but the database expanded to monitor vehicles associated with other potential crimes, it said.

Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/27/millions-of-cars-tracked-across-us-in-massive-real-time-spying-program

---

Wall Street Journal:
U.S. Spies on Millions of Cars

... Officials have publicly said that they track vehicles near the border with Mexico to help fight drug cartels. What hasn’t been previously disclosed is that the DEA has spent years working to expand the database “throughout the United States,’’ according to one email reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

Many state and local law-enforcement agencies are accessing the database for a variety of investigations, according to people familiar with the program, putting a wealth of information in the hands of local officials who can track vehicles in real time on major roadways.

... Sen. Patrick Leahy, senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the government’s use of license-plate readers “raises significant privacy concerns. The fact that this intrusive technology is potentially being used to expand the reach of the government’s asset-forfeiture efforts is of even greater concern.’’

Read more: http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-spies-on-millions-of-cars-1422314779

[newthinking]

1. Too much money to spend. People have to continually make programs to keep hiring

and keep their jobs.

[billhicks76]

33. This Is Treason

It's worse than the Redcoats.

[blkmusclmachine]

2. http://cdn.mediatrackers.org/wp-content/uploads/yellow-light-camera-1.jpg

[hunter]

55. Most of these sorts of cameras simply control the traffic lights...

... replacing sensing wires in the streets and other less robust means of detecting automobiles.

These cameras hardly see cars as anything more than a fuzzy blob on the street and are not wired into any display system elsewhere.

These are not the same as "red light" or speeding cameras which actually produce an image good enough to ticket someone with, or surveillance cameras.

Of greater concern to me are cell phones. These are little homing beacons that most of us carry with us voluntarily, and the cell phone system is easily tapped into by law enforcement agencies and even less reputable organizations.

Here's a picture of a wolf wearing a radio tracking collar:



Here's a picture of tagged Monarch Butterfly:



Unlike the wolves or butterflies, we wear our various tracking devices voluntarily.

[blkmusclmachine]

3. http://www.adtcommercialsecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/camera1.jpg

[blkmusclmachine]

4. http://b-i.forbesimg.com/kashmirhill/files/2013/12/octopus-rocket-copy.jpg

[blkmusclmachine]

5. http://neugo.com/image/they-live-subway-advance-science-fiction-x2-original-movie-poster.jpg

[billhicks76]

34. Great Movie

They need an updated version.

[blkmusclmachine]

6. https://thatsmyphilosophy.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/7-mountains.jpg

[TimeToEvolve]

21. where is that from??

creepy.

[blkmusclmachine]

24. Christian dominionism,

also known as the New Apostolic Reformation theology movement. The most well-known dominionist organization is "THE FAMILY"/"THE FELLOWSHIP," and they operate the President's Prayer Breakfast every February in Washington DC.

[Panich52]

77. Ted Cruz is Domionist's 'Annointed One'

His wacko Cuban ex-pat father announced that to the crowd in 2011 or 12 gen they thought he had a shot at POTUS nomination

[blkmusclmachine]

7. 14 defining characteristics of fascism: The U.S. in 2012

http://www.examiner.com/article/14-defining-characteristics-of-fascism-the-u-s-2012

[blkmusclmachine]

8. Quote:

Powerful and continuing expressions of nationalism.

From the prominent displays of flags and bunting to the ubiquitous lapel pins, the fervor to show patriotic nationalism, both on the part of the regime itself and of citizens caught up in its frenzy, was always obvious. Catchy slogans, pride in the military, and demands for unity were common themes in expressing this nationalism. It was usually coupled with a suspicion of things foreign that often bordered on xenophobia.

[snooper2]

40. .

[George II]

70. Well that's a clever way of getting your post count up!

[blkmusclmachine]

9. Quote:

Disdain for the importance of human rights.

The regimes themselves viewed human rights as of little value and a hindrance to realizing the objectives of the ruling elite. Through clever use of propaganda, the population was brought to accept these human rights abuses by marginalizing, even demonizing, those being targeted. When abuse was egregious, the tactic was to use secrecy, denial, and disinformation.

[snooper2]

41. .

[blkmusclmachine]

10. Quote:

Identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying cause.

The most significant common thread among these regimes was the use of scapegoating as a means to divert the people’s attention from other problems, to shift blame for failures, and to channel frustration in controlled directions. The methods of choice—relentless propaganda and disinformation—were usually effective. Often the regimes would incite ‘spontaneous’ acts against the target scapegoats, usually communists, socialists, liberals, Jews, ethnic and racial minorities, traditional national enemies, members of other religions, secularists, homosexuals, and ‘terrorists.’ Active opponents of these regimes were inevitably labeled as terrorists and dealt with accordingly.

[snooper2]

42. .

[blkmusclmachine]

11. Quote:

The supremacy of the military/avid militarism.

Ruling elites always identified closely with the military and the industrial infrastructure that supported it. A disproportionate share of national resources was allocated to the military, even when domestic needs were acute. The military was seen as an expression of nationalism, and was used whenever possible to assert national goals, intimidate other nations, and increase the power and prestige of the ruling elite.

[snooper2]

43. .

[blkmusclmachine]

12. Quote:

Rampant sexism.

Beyond the simple fact that the political elite and the national culture were male-dominated, these regimes inevitably viewed women as second-class citizens. They were adamantly anti-abortion and also homophobic. These attitudes were usually codified in Draconian laws that enjoyed strong support by the orthodox religion of the country, thus lending the regime cover for its abuses.

[snooper2]

44. .

[blkmusclmachine]

13. Quote:

A controlled mass media.

Under some of the regimes, the mass media were under strict direct control and could be relied upon never to stray from the party line. Other regimes exercised more subtle power to ensure media orthodoxy. Methods included the control of licensing and access to resources, economic pressure, appeals to patriotism, and implied threats. The leaders of the mass media were often politically compatible with the power elite. The result was usually success in keeping the general public unaware of the regimes’ excesses.

[snooper2]

45. .

[blkmusclmachine]

14. Quote:

Obsession with national security.

Inevitably, a national security apparatus was under direct control of the ruling elite. It was usually an instrument of oppression, operating in secret and beyond any constraints. Its actions were justified under the rubric of protecting ‘national security,’ and questioning its activities was portrayed as unpatriotic or even treasonous.

[snooper2]

46. .

[blkmusclmachine]

15. Quote:

Religion and ruling elite tied together.

Unlike communist regimes, the fascist and protofascist regimes were never proclaimed as godless by their opponents. In fact, most of the regimes attached themselves to the predominant religion of the country and chose to portray themselves as militant defenders of that religion. The fact that the ruling elite’s behavior was incompatible with the precepts of the religion was generally swept under the rug. Propaganda kept up the illusion that the ruling elites were defenders of the faith and opponents of the ‘godless.’ A perception was manufactured that opposing the power elite was tantamount to an attack on religion.

[snooper2]

47. .

[blkmusclmachine]

16. Quote:

Power of corporations protected.

Although the personal life of ordinary citizens was under strict control, the ability of large corporations to operate in relative freedom was not compromised. The ruling elite saw the corporate structure as a way to not only ensure military production (in developed states), but also as an additional means of social control. Members of the economic elite were often pampered by the political elite to ensure a continued mutuality of interests, especially in the repression of ‘have-not’ citizens.

[candelista]

36. This is the key to everything else.

Fascism is capitalism gone nude.

[snooper2]

48. .

[blkmusclmachine]

17. Quote:

Power of labor suppressed or eliminated.

Since organized labor was seen as the one power center that could challenge the political hegemony of the ruling elite and its corporate allies, it was inevitably crushed or made powerless. The poor formed an underclass, viewed with suspicion or outright contempt. Under some regimes, being poor was considered akin to a vice.

[snooper2]

49. .

[blkmusclmachine]

18. Quote:

Obsession with crime and punishment.

Most of these regimes maintained Draconian systems of criminal justice with huge prison populations. The police were often glorified and had almost unchecked power, leading to rampant abuse. “Normal” and political crime were often merged into trumped-up criminal charges and sometimes used against political opponents of the regime. Fear, and hatred, of criminals or “traitors” was often promoted among the population as an excuse for more police power.

[snooper2]

50. .

[blkmusclmachine]

19. Quote:

Rampant cronyism and corruption.

Those in business circles and close to the power elite often used their position to enrich themselves. This corruption worked both ways; the power elite would receive financial gifts and property from the economic elite, who in turn would gain the benefit of government favoritism. Members of the power elite were in a position to obtain vast wealth from other sources as well: for example, by stealing national resources. With the national security apparatus under control and the media muzzled, this corruption was largely unconstrained and not well understood by the general population.

[snooper2]

51. 12

[blkmusclmachine]

20. Quote:

Fraudulent elections.

Elections in the form of plebiscites or public opinion polls were usually bogus. When actual elections with candidates were held, they would usually be perverted by the power elite to get the desired result. Common methods included maintaining control of the election machinery, intimidating and disenfranchising opposition voters, destroying or disallowing legal votes, and, as a last resort, turning to a judiciary beholden to the power elite.

[snooper2]

52. .

[JohnnyRingo]

22. I saw my 1st trunk lid scanner about six years ago.

It was about two feet long and mounted at an outward angle on the rear fender of a sheriff's car. I'd read about the technology, similar to face recognition software, so I knew what it was right away. It was reading and recording oncoming license plates as the cruiser drove down the road. The officer's laptop gave real time info on passing traffic.

Since then the huge fender units have disappeared, presumably replaced by more discreet dashboard or rear window sensors. I know they're still in use because my local police blotter is now filled with multiple violations for expired driver's licenses or driving under suspension. My own son was pulled over by a local police car that did a U-turn in a "routine traffic stop" that eventually revealed he never properly reinstated his license after a suspension the year previous. Keep in mind, this is a small town of about 6,000.

I can understand the use for this technology in fighting organized crime, but the ability to abuse is all too easy, and apparently commonplace.- Collecting mass movements in a national database for example. I was at a car show two summers ago when I saw the county sheriff driving slowly up and down each row of the spectator parking lot. I knew what he was doing.

This goes beyond the fishing analogy. It's like fishing with dynamite where they don't care about the damage they do to achieve a desired goal. Not very sporting either.

[cstanleytech]

25. I have seen them in my area as well but I am wondering how do you figure its abuse to use

this tool to assist in enforcing the law to make sure everyone is driving with legal tags and or current licenses?

[defacto7]

26. It's not...

but that's not all it's used for. If it's not being used for anything but checking tags, it sure could be used for a lot of other things that endanger democracy and freedom. The data base is massive now and it's available to a privileged few. That's the point.

[JohnnyRingo]

28. Even worse...

That data is available to the privileged few and the dishonest many. Certainly I can see how a mid-level admin worker could access the database to track the daily movements of people he targets for private reasons.

[cstanleytech]

61. A minor risk unless they were stupid enough to not install security

to monitor the people who have access to the database though given the number of security leaks these last few years I grant you that its certainly a legitimate concern.

[Historic NY]

83. Towing firms, repo companies, parking lot security...

and others use the same application to record plates in and out of their facilities. While its a civilian application its the same technology.

[JohnnyRingo]

27. Besides the obvious canvassing of data...

...and I never approved of being investigated when I haven't committed a crime, but collecting this info into a national database for reasons other than making sure driver's licenses are up to date, reeks of Big Brother overreach.

I understand that technology has changed the world we live in, and many of our necessary conveniences track our every move, including OnStar, but watching that cop drive up and down the lanes of that parking lot really struck a nerve. How is what he's doing investigating a crime? He was fishing for traffic violations for the county quota, and I think his time on the beat could be better spent. If he stumbled upon the rare stolen car, it still can't justify checking the rest of us law abiding citizens out.

[cstanleytech]

29. I dont think the courts will agree.

We can of course debate the merits of how the cops spend their time if you want but in the end this is still a case of them of them enforcing the laws and the scanning tech just makes them more efficient but thats all its doing its not forcing people to choose to break the law they are doing that themselves.

[elias49]

37. Please reread post #18

I can't be the super-patriot you seem to be. Best of luck to you.

[cstanleytech]

60. I'm not being a super-patriot I am just not being an automatic "omg the sky is falling" anti tech.

[candelista]

39. Think bigger.

I don't think you understand the implications of this. This technology can and will be used to monitor people's movements, and this information will be added to a database on each one of us that includes all sorts of other information, which can be put together in a complete dossier with a few strokes on a keyboard. There is a new 25 acre hard drive in Utah where it can all be stored.

[cstanleytech]

59. I understand the potential problems just fine but thats all they are atm, potential ones.

Now if they were using a RFID scanner and driving around detecting cars even when they are parked inside a closed private garage the court would probably agree that its overreach I suspect but since these are cars that are parked out in the open I will lay money down that the courts will allow it to continue.

[MADem]

30. EZ Pass lets the government know where you go, too! nt

[JohnnyRingo]

32. Voluntary though.

If I understand the system, one has to buy a badge for their front plate. I know that cell phone GPS is not a life necessity, nor is an active OnStar, but I believe police gathering routine mass data of citizens who own cars may be over the line of intrusion.

I guess I always felt that my right to proceed from point A to point B without being investigated was a fundamental right, but the Supreme decided that DUI checkpoints where I'm forced to discuss my travels with an officer is legal as well. I concede the police will be allowed to continue gleaning and storing this info regardless of how violated I may personally feel.

[djean111]

35. Voluntary, but I think they make not having one more expensive and inconvenient.

Pay a bit more in fares, have less lanes to pay the fares in.

[snooper2]

53. you are wrong on a number of points...

I guess I'll start right in the middle-

"I'm forced to discuss my travels with an officer is legal as well."

Negative--

Actually, if you are at a DUI checkpoint you don't even have to answer the question "have you been drinking tonight"

[JohnnyRingo]

57. Every checkpoint I've stopped at....

...opened with much less incriminating queries. Usually it was an innocent "How are you tonight?" followed quickly by "where have you been this evening?".

The first is just a pleasantry of course, but that second one is the onset of an active investigation that I resent having to participate in, regardless my sobriety. I'm unable to come up with a good non-answer that doesn't trigger a pull over into the "further examination area". I just want to continue on my way unimpeded, not spasm on the pavement from taser jolts while a K-9 sniffs his way through my Buick.

I'd love to answer "I'm coming from America, and headed to another part of that free country", but I'm no martyr to the cause, so I tell them where I've been, where I'm headed, and hope it satisfies their standards of acceptable behavior.

[snooper2]

58. LOL, all you have to say is "I don't answer questions"

Shit, you actually don't even have to say that just write it down

Maybe you should watch this

This one is one of my favorites, this lady gets so wrapped around the wheel in her head she doesn't even know WTF she is saying LOL

[elias49]

63. I think you're being naive. You refuse to answer, you're automatically suspect.

I 'm in NH. A few years ago the Border Patrol began stopping all cars driving down interstate 91 (a north-south route) asking for an ID. This was at least 50 miles from the Canadian border. They didn't take kindly to non-compliance.
Little by little it starts. Already we have hand held devices - IPhones, Android - that obviously can pinpoint where you are but now people are using them as swipes to buy groceries, pay bills. Wow! And all that needs be done is to store all that data - fucking mountains of data - that can be accessed later if someone does a nasty.
Not a big step to a friggin bar code on your wrist. (Google wrist watches you say? Yep, Total Information Awareness.)

[snooper2]

64. They didn't take kindly? Did they stomp their feet?

You have the right not to talk...pretty basic one...

Or, you can talk and watch them get pissy

"I need you to pull over to secondary"

"No thanks"

[elias49]

65. Haha. You go first.

Of course you can go to court. If you can afford it.
I must reiterate, reading your reply, that you seem kind of naive. Do you really want to irritate the man in dark glasses? See you around.

[snooper2]

67. I guess you didn't watch the video, and yes I have refused questions at a DUI checkpoint

Rookie cop got supervisor, supervisor gives the "just answer the question"

me- "I am not required by the law you are sworn to uphold"

Okay sir, you can go on---


Police departments have paid out millions for false arrests and harassing drivers- I would love a settlement

[elias49]

68. You sir or madam are an upstanding citizen! nt

[George II]

73. "people are using them as swipes to buy groceries, pay bills".....

I get a monthly statement from American Express that "tracks" where and when I buy clothes, food, alcohol, merchandise over the internet, etc. Frightening!!

[elias49]

75. That's your problem. Play along! nt

[George II]

76. Yeah, it's a "problem". And my doctor keeps detailed records of my health history, and...

....in college the administration kept detailed records of my test scores, essay grades, etc.

Oh, the horror! When will Dr. Schwartz or Dean Baker come knocking down my front door in the middle or the night to drag me off?

[JohnnyRingo]

78. Difference between what you have to do and what is smart to do.

Refusing to answer direct questions can be considered belligerence by some cops and warrant closer scrutiny. Of course it depends on the officer's mood, ego, and how busy he/she is, but I just want to be on my way without having to make a political statement.

That I feel I should compounds my frustration with being detained, even for a short while as an officer asks me what I view as intrusive questions.

[George II]

72. Driving a car is voluntary, too!

[MADem]

85. Where I live it's a box you stick on your windshield or the dash.

You can move it between cars. You don't buy anything, it's free, the transponder is refilled from your bank account every time you hit a certain point, you can set it. For example, if you know you use twenty bucks worth of tolls a month, you can have it take out twenty five to be on the safe side...

Also, if you pay cash, they take your picture. You're under full surveillance every time you come near a toll plaza...in living color, too.

[George II]

71. Good, I just posted the same thing further down (didn't see yours....), along with....

....McDonald's videos at their drive-thru windows, banks at their ATM machines, etc.

Paranoia is rampant here.

[Taitertots]

80. Is it abuse to use a network of video cameras to track the movement of millions of Americans?

It is the inevitable by-product of reading and storing license plate numbers.

I don't see the abuse in using them to enforce traffic laws. That is not the only thing that is happening.

[cstanleytech]

81. Thats the question is it abuse?

There is alot of stuff the government tracks for varies reasons some of it is legitimate and some its debatable.
Not to mention the government isnt the only one tracking things, banks do, hospitals, telecommunications like verizon and many other companies track us in varies ways every day.

[Taitertots]

82. I think it is.

We can discuss other ways big data is changing the world if you want.

The government built a multi-billion dollar data center in Utah. Based on the size, there is a very real chance it will be used to combine the data from the government, banks, hospitals, telecoms, and other various corporations.

[blkmusclmachine]

23. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc6y1HwgRoY/UjAbDjqPYdI/AAAAAAAAeVU/ZkWSuEjC4lU/s640/911_f.png

[DeSwiss]

31. You have ID Miss? You know this area was restricted?

''Has this basket been in your possession at all times?''

- K&R

[FLPanhandle]

38. Another consequence of the war on drugs

I hope this folly ends soon.

[hunter]

54. Automobiles have always been tools of fascism.

Our travel is largely limited to roads and easily monitored.

People forced into poverty have more difficulty traveling, and are more easily contained.

[GoneFishin]

56. K & R

[Paper Roses]

62. My 2005 Honda probably does not have any tracking but if it does:

I hope whoever is being paid to watch me has a great time as I go the the grocery store, Home Depot, visit 2 sick friends and other exciting travels. Why the heck is the government interested in where we travel?

I cannot understand why this tracking is necessary. Busy work?

[elias49]

66. Not busy work. Data collection.

And of course the chance that the authorities get lucky and find someone with some bullshit on their record.
How many times have you read about someone being pulled over because they didn't use a turn signal, or had a "loud exhaust', or snow partially obscuring their number plate? I see it all the time in the 'police news' in the paper. Once in a while, they get lucky. More often, they just get away with harassing otherwise good citizens.
But the sheep don't care. Not until they find themselves in a pen, with the dogs herding in thestrays.

[George II]

74. "Why the heck is the government interested in where we travel?"

Simple, they're NOT interested in where we travel.

[George II]

69. Give me a break. Cars are not being "tracked"...

...if that is "tracking", then McDonald's is "tracking" millions of cars that use their drive-thru windows, banks are "tracking" millions of cars that use drive-up windows or ATMs. The NY/NJ Port Authority is "tracking" millions of cars that us EZ-Pass when they cross the Hudson River.

Aren't there more important things to obsess over these days?

[elias49]

79. You might want to reconsider...

http://www.newsweek.com/asset-forfeiture-drives-justice-departments-license-plate-tracking-302621

[George II]

84. Unfortunately that link/Newsweek article had little to do with "tracking", but asset forfeiture...

....and in the one specific example, the Iowa State Troopers didn't use license plate tracking to decide to stop the car.