Triggerfish

Triggerfish technology, also known as cell network simulation, is not so new. In 1990, similar devices were used to capture Kevin Mitnik. Posing as a cell tower, triggerfish equipment waits for nearby phones to send a serial number, phone call, or other data directly to the observing computer. The first descriptions of the technology say that due to its limited range, it is applicable as the last step in determining the position of a cell phone. Prior to this, cellular providers must first provide an approximate location (for example, the last used cell).

This summer, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundationappealed to the court to provide documents for tracking mobile phones. Since August, they have received many documents under the Freedom of Information Act (the last of which is dated November 6), and posted them on the Internet. On the Daily Kos blog, Rachel Myers drew attention to several places in the documents, from which it follows that the Triggerfish technology can be applied much more widely than previously thought.

A small digression. In order for the provider to give the law enforcement authorities information about the phone they are interested in, it is not enough just to come and demand - you need to provide evidence (Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, Stored Communications Act). And the requirements for evidence are becoming stricter every year. In order to use phone tracking, a court permit is also required.

Judging by the electronic intelligence guidelaid out in a network according to the Freedom of Information Act, triggerfish devices can circumvent the restrictions placed on such devices in the United States. As stated in this guide, “these restrictions apply only to the collection of data on incoming and outgoing calls through the provider's own funds - but not to information collected directly by law enforcement agencies.” Most likely, determining the position of a mobile phone is now technically possible even without the assistance of the operator.

UPD: thanks for the cons in karma.