Bill introduced to criminalize warrantless cell phone surveillance

The use of "stingrays" that capture data about cell phone calls has become increasingly controversial, but law enforcement agencies continue to embrace the devices. On Nov 2, Rep Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) has said he'll introduce a bill that will criminalize any use of a stingray without a warrant. Violations would be punishable by a fine and up to 10 years in prison.

The text of the draft isn't public yet, but apparently it includes wide exemptions, including for situations involving "emergencies that include an 'immediate danger of death,' national security or ... the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act." Rep Chaffetz's bill would apply to state and local agencies as well as federal ones. The American Civil Liberties Union has identified 57 agencies that own stingrays or similar devices in 22 states and the District of Columbia.