Texas police invested in phone-tracking software and won’t say how it’s used (texasobserver.org)

Article summary

The Texas police have invested millions of dollars in a phone-tracking software called Tangles, which can track mobile device movements without a warrant. The software has been criticized by civil liberties advocates for violating constitutional rights. Law enforcement agencies have refused to disclose how the software has been used, citing concerns about revealing investigative techniques. The use of Tangles has raised concerns about the erosion of privacy rights and the potential for abuse of power.

Main themes

• phone tracking software
• constitutional rights
• law enforcement surveillance
• privacy concerns
• Second Amendment interpretation
• government accountability

What commenters say

• The use of phone-tracking software like Tangles is a violation of constitutional rights and an erosion of privacy.
• The software is a valuable tool for law enforcement and can be used to track and prevent crimes.
• The government's ability to purchase location data without judicial review is a concerning trend that undermines the system of checks and balances.
• The Second Amendment was intended to protect the right to bear arms in the context of a well-regulated militia, not individual ownership.
• The use of surveillance technology like Tangles is a form of 'parallel construction' that allows law enforcement to bypass traditional investigative methods.
• The lack of transparency and accountability in the use of Tangles and similar software is a major concern.
• The Constitution should be interpreted in the context of modern technology and societal changes, rather than being strictly limited to the technology available at the time of its writing.