Secret Phone Surveillance Tech Was Likely Deployed at 2024 DNC
WiredA device capable of intercepting phone signals was likely deployed during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, WIRED has learned, raising critical questions about who authorized its use and for what purpose. The device, known as a cell-site simulator, was identified by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights advocacy organization, after analyzing wireless signal data collected by WIRED during the August event. Cell-site simulators mimic cell towers to intercept communications, indiscriminately collecting sensitive data such as call metadata, location information, and app traffic from all phones within their range. While credentialed influencers attended exclusive yacht parties and VIP events, thousands of demonstrators faced a heavy law enforcement presence, including officers from the US Capitol Police, the Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, local sheriff’s offices, and Chicago police. Reporters, equipped with two rooted Android phones and Wi-Fi hot spots running detection software, used Rayhunter—a tool developed by the EFF to detect data anomalies associated with these devices.
History of this topic
We Hunted Hidden Police Signals at the DNC
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Docs Show FBI Pressures Cops to Keep Phone Surveillance Secrets
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What are cell site simulators? And how do they work?
Associated Press
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