Texas State Police Boost Surveillance Capabilities with Tangles Technology
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is gearing up to enhance its surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a cutting-edge tool called Tangles from tech firm PenLink. This move comes as part of a 5-year, nearly $5.3 million contract, making it one of the largest contracts for surveillance technology in the state. The controversial Tangles platform, powered by artificial intelligence, has sparked debate among digital privacy advocates due to its advanced features.
Expanding Surveillance Reach with Tangles Technology
Tangles is a web platform that leverages artificial intelligence to scrape information from the open, deep, and dark web. One of its key features, WebLoc, allows users to track the movements of mobile devices within a specific virtual area through a process known as “geofencing.” This capability raises concerns among privacy advocates, as it enables tracking without the need for a search warrant or subpoena.
The platform operates by collecting location pings and other personal data from smartphones, typically obtained through in-app advertisers. This data is then sold to surveillance tech companies like PenLink, who incorporate it into their products for clients like the Texas State Police. While the data collected may seem anonymous, it can easily be cross-referenced with other information to identify individuals, as explained by investigative researcher Beryl Lipton from the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Privacy Implications and Legal Considerations
The use of Tangles and similar technologies has raised significant privacy implications, particularly in light of legal considerations surrounding data collection and surveillance. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Carpenter v. United States highlighted the need for warrants to obtain cell phone location data from service providers. However, the sale of mobile device data by third-party brokers and surveillance tech firms remains a legal gray area, according to ACLU attorney Nate Wessler.
Wessler emphasized the invasive nature of using massive amounts of cell phone location data for surveillance purposes, noting that there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of these practices in solving cases. He raised concerns about the cost of such services and the potential misuse of sensitive data, calling for greater scrutiny and accountability in the use of surveillance technologies by government agencies.
Expanding Definition of Open Source Intelligence Tools
The acquisition of Tangles by the Texas State Police reflects a broader trend in the expanding definition of open source intelligence (OSINT) tools. Companies like Cobwebs Technologies, now part of PenLink, market their products as OSINT tools used to combat terrorism, drug smuggling, and money laundering. However, concerns have been raised about the source of data used in these tools, particularly when purchased from third-party brokers.
Digital rights researcher Wolfie Christl highlighted the ethical implications of using personal data harvested from mobile phone apps for surveillance purposes. He argued that the decontextualization of data collected for specific purposes, such as navigation or dating apps, raises serious concerns about privacy and data misuse. As companies like PenLink expand their reach through acquisitions and partnerships, the boundaries of ethical data use continue to be tested.
Global Impact and Usage of Surveillance Technologies
The reach of surveillance technologies like Tangles extends beyond state borders, with agencies across the globe utilizing similar tools for various purposes. From law enforcement in El Salvador to police in Mexico, the adoption of advanced surveillance technologies has become a global phenomenon. While these tools may offer valuable insights for combating crime and security threats, questions remain about their impact on individual privacy and civil liberties.
Concerns about the misuse of surveillance technologies have been raised in multiple countries, with reports of targeting activists, opposition politicians, and government officials. Meta’s ban on companies participating in online surveillance-for-hire activities, including Cobwebs Technologies, underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability in the use of surveillance tools. As governments and law enforcement agencies seek to enhance their capabilities, the balance between security and privacy becomes increasingly tenuous.
Future Challenges and Regulatory Frameworks
As technology continues to evolve, the challenges posed by surveillance technologies like Tangles will only grow more complex. The legal frameworks governing data collection and surveillance practices are struggling to keep pace with technological advancements, leaving gaps in oversight and accountability. While some government agencies have begun to reassess the use of mass data collection for surveillance purposes, more work is needed to ensure that privacy rights are protected.
The debate over the use of surveillance technologies raises fundamental questions about the balance between security and privacy in a digital age. As companies like PenLink expand their reach and capabilities, it is essential for policymakers, advocates, and the public to engage in meaningful discussions about the ethical and legal implications of these technologies. By addressing these challenges proactively, we can strive to create a future digital society that upholds individual rights and values privacy as a fundamental human right.
