Google Tracking of Cellphones Used in Criminal Investigations

I have written a number of times about modern technology being used in criminal investigations, from cellphone towers tracking our phones, to Alexa and other smart home devices used to record internet searches and conversations, to security cameras used to spy on their homeowners. Recently, the New York Times and other media outlets reported that Google has the ability to track which cellphones are in the area of a crime scene at a particular time. Once law enforcement narrows down which phones they are interested in, they obtain a warrant for the particular cellphone owner’s information.

Google refers to the program as “Sensorvault.” Unlike law enforcement tracking a particular suspect’s phone through “traditional” means – such as cell tower location, Wi-Fi, or GPS – this program allows law enforcement to uncover who was in the area of the crime without having any particular suspect’s information at all.

In response to a search request, Google provides anonymous identification numbers to law enforcement to review. The search results may reveal hundreds of devices in the area at a particular time, which then must be narrowed down to a few based upon additional information. Once law enforcement narrows those devices down to ones they believe fit other information or patterns, Google reveals the users’ names and other information. One should not be lulled into a false sense of security by believing only Google phones, such as the Pixel, are accessible. Android phones and some iPhones are also vulnerable, giving available data to Google.

As reported, this technology was first used by federal agents in 2016 and has been increasingly used since by federal, state, and local law enforcement. Google employees report that the Sensorvault program includes information on hundreds of millions of devices worldwide, dating back at least ten years. Concerning, it has been reported that law enforcement submits hundreds of requests per week to Google for such information.

The use of geolocation technology allows law enforcement to locate suspects and potential witnesses to active, as well as past, crimes. This raises several privacy concerns, as well as serious legal issues. Warrants issued for this type of information can span a particular building, or block of buildings, over several hours at a time. Countless people using their devices may be revealed to law enforcement, with no regard for whether they are involved in the crime being investigated.

Courts have not yet addressed these concerns. As technology advances, our legal system undoubtedly struggles to keep up. Determinations of probable cause, reliability, reasonableness, and privacy are lagging in a world of ever-expansive surveillance: be it our movements or the innocuous use of our devices and accounts.

Stahl Gasiorowski Criminal Defense Lawyers aggressively defend organizations and individuals charged with complex federal and state crimes. Founder Robert G. Stahl is recognized as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in the NY/NJ area for his skills, knowledge and success.

Our offices are located in Mountainside, New Jersey and Manhattan. To contact us to discuss your case, call 908.301.9001 for our NJ office and 212.755.3300 for our NYC office, or email us at rgs@sgdefenselaw.com. Or Contact us online.