Data Extraction Devices (DEDs) have been used by the Michigan State Police (MSP) for some years. At present, there is an ongoing inquiry regarding its lawful use. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) wants to know exactly how these devices are being used. These powerful devices can extract almost all information from cell phones. These could include contacts, photos, and yes, even those deleted messages.
These devices are being manufactured by CelleBrite. Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and other major carriers are some of the clients that the company has revealed. Specifically, the devices are used to transfer data when a phone is upgraded. CelleBrite also described the high capability of DEDs to extract a host of information from cell phones. When used properly, it can retrieve even deleted and hidden data, and can capture contact lists, photos and text messages.
Critics are not opposed to the nature and purpose of the devices, but by their use in law enforcement. The concerned groups are not sure whether the devices are lawfully used. The ACLU doubts that there is no privacy violation involved among some people that are searched. For some time, it has been urging the MSP to explain how the devices are being used. The ACLU also suspects that the tools are being used unlawfully just to obtain information from random people.
The Michigan State Police responded that it is not secretly mining out mobile data during traffic stops. In a statement, it explained how enforcers are going to use the DEDs. An officer cannot use the device if he or she either does not hold a search warrant or has not obtained consent from the holder of the mobile device. Furthermore, only a specialty team can use the device on criminal cases, such as crime against children.
The MSP was pushed to use DEDs because of the continuing increase in the number of crimes using cell phones. DEDs, it said, are effective investigative tools for obtaining critical information from criminals. These are the reasons given by the Michigan State Police for purchasing and using such devices. The devices were bought by the MSP in 2006.
A government official expressed his approval in setting well-defined limits as to the lawful use of the devices. However, according to him, the limits should not cover cell phones that are involved in the commission of crimes. This implies that identified criminals should not enjoy the same benefits of privacy as those of law-abiding citizens.
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