AT&T Allegedly Paid by US Government to Access Cellphone Data Without Warrant, Sparking Constitutional Concerns
A recent report in Wired magazine reveals a disturbing practice that has allegedly been occurring for the last decade. According to the report, the executive branch of the US government has been paying telecommunications giant AT&T to store cellphone data for law enforcement agencies to access without a warrant or even a criminal accusation. This revelation has sparked serious constitutional concerns and raised questions about the legality of such a program.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) has expressed deep concerns about the program’s legality and has written a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding answers. He argues that this program clearly violates constitutional rights and should not have been allowed to continue. The program, known as the Data Analytical Services (DAS) program, allows law enforcement to search through the phone records of countless individuals, not only those suspected of a crime but also the people they have contacted.
The implications of this program are far-reaching and alarming. Imagine being a teenage girl in the South seeking abortion pills from her cousin in California, only to have the police show up at your door, potentially charging you with attempted murder. The Supreme Court has ruled that abortion involves another life, so this scenario could become a reality. The fact that law enforcement could access the phone records of those involved in such sensitive and personal matters without a warrant is deeply troubling.
Sen. Wyden’s letter to the Attorney General mentions that he has received troubling information about the program from the Department of Justice, which is considered sensitive but unclassified. This raises concerns about the possible extent of the program and how much information may have been collected without proper oversight.
AT&T has remained tight-lipped about the matter, understandable considering the potential legal repercussions they may face. However, it is expected that if and when this issue reaches the courts, it could result in the release of real murderers and other dangerous criminals who were convicted based on evidence obtained without a warrant.
It is worth noting that this program predates the Trump administration, with its origins dating back ten years. While it is tempting to lay blame on former Attorney General Eric Holder and President Barack Obama, it remains to be seen if President Joe Biden will put a halt to this program and address its potential constitutional violations.
The report also raises concerns about the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) and how it may create an even more invasive environment for personal privacy. Moreover, with some states seeking to restrict reproductive rights and access to care, the fear of this information being used against individuals seeking reproductive care adds another troubling dimension to the situation.
As news of this program spreads among criminal defense attorneys, they may rightfully demand to know if evidence obtained from their clients’ phones without a warrant played a role in their convictions. This could lead to the release of thousands of dangerous criminals whose cases were affected by the unconstitutional practices under the DAS program.
While law enforcement agencies may argue that the program is aimed at combating drug crimes and the fentanyl crisis, it is clear that this is not the right approach. The violation of individuals’ constitutional rights and the potential release of dangerous criminals should never be the chosen means to achieve a desired end.
In conclusion, the revelation that AT&T has allegedly been paid by the US government to access cellphone data without a warrant is deeply concerning and raises serious constitutional questions. The program, known as the DAS program, allows law enforcement to analyze the phone records of countless Americans, even without any criminal accusation. This violates individuals’ privacy rights and undermines the foundation of the justice system. It is crucial that President Biden addresses this issue and puts an end to this unconstitutional program.
This news article is based on a report by Dell Cameron and Dhruv Mehrotra from Wired Magazine.
(Note: This article is an opinion piece and reflects the views of the author alone.)
Please reach out to the author, Jason Miciak, at jasonmiciak@gmail.com or on Twitter @JasonMiciak for further information or inquiries.
