Texas DPS purchases electronic surveillance, facial recognition software
https://theintercept.com/2023/07/26/...0_-cf41b33545-[LIST_EMAIL_ID]&mc_cid=cf41b33545
The Israeli software includes Clearview AI, which scans the internet at a rate of millions of images / videos a second and produces “matches” for the sample / target image.
Since all of this “metadata” is privately purchased, DPS is not subject to Court issued search warrants OR Freedom of Information Act requests. Texas DPS now has the power to track a specific phone’s activity and location and / or match that phone to images on that phone, then search the entire interwebs for matching images that also contain hidden geotagging information (EXACT time, time zone, EXACT location the image or video was taken).
How does it work:
“Metadata” is collected from every cell tower your phone “pings” off of as you move about. At a minimum, this includes:
- Your phone’s unique IMEI number (an electronic serial number);
- Your phone’s unique IP (Internet Protocol) address.
“Metadata” can also include:
- Who you called / texted;
- How long you were on the phone;
- What apps are on your phone; (most apps send their separate “pings”; the more apps you have running, even in “background”, the more “pings”)
- Which apps you use;
- How long you were on each app and from where;
- Images / videos taken from an exact location;
- Etc.
It is important to understand that typical text messages ARE NOT ENCRYPTED, and that “end-to-end” encrypted apps such as WhatApp STILL SELL THEIR METADATA TO ANYONE WHO CAN PAY!
“Burner” Text apps do not change your IMEI or IP address on your phone; they just route your comms through a third party rented number.
“Burner” phones still provide metadata as they move about.
It is a fallacy that closing an app or tuning off your phone will stop it from electronically “chirping” your location. “Back in the day” when you could remove a separate battery, that usually worked. But today’s phones don’t have removeable batteries. The easiest way to stop your phone from constantly tracking you is to turn it off and place it into a microwave. But that only lasts as long as the phone is in the microwave. If you are on the move, the only practical option is to place your phone into a DoD – spec Faraday bag. The ones on Amazon, manufactured overseas, are usually not DoD spec. Silent Pocket, made in the USA and a supplier to the DoD, are effective.
To make things more interesting:
Is your phone connected to your car via Bluetooth? Android? Apple Play? Now Texas DPS (and everybody else) can link your make, model, license number, and VIN to your phone. Does your phone and car come with a combination mobile hot spot? Are several people using their phones while in your car? All of their metadata is now tied into your car and wherever it travels. The “connected car” has its drawbacks….
Stay safe, y’all!
Is that Texas DPS in your pocket or...
