While this article is excellent in bringing this media-obscured issue to our consciousness, it doesn't really examine the important implications for activists that wish to use their limited First Amendment rights to protest, and to engage in political organizing against government actions. I continue to be amazed at the extent of people's naivete regarding government agencies surveillance of citizens and their extensive efforts to coverup such activities. This seems to be especially true of "techno-geeks" like the people who work at Ars Technica. The author seems to be puzzled over the fact that the FBI is opposing any attempts to reveal this type of intrusive surveillance. However, once we learn that the company is owned by Condé Nast, a media corporation serving the One Percent, this is no longer surprising.
If you’ve ever filed a public records request with your local police department to learn more about how cell-site simulators are used in your community—chances are good that the FBI knows about it. And the FBI will attempt to “prevent disclosure” of such information.
Not only can these devices, commonly known as "stingrays," be used to determine a phone’s location, but they can also intercept calls and text messages,