Feds Warrantlessly Tracking Americans? Credit Cards in Real Time
Federal law enforcement agencies have been tracking Americans in real-time using credit cards, loyalty cards and travel reservations without getting a court order, a new document released under a government sunshine request shows.
The document, obtained by security researcher Christopher Soghoian, explains how so-called ?Hotwatch? orders allow for real-time tracking of individuals in a criminal investigation via credit card companies, rental car agencies, calling cards, and even grocery store loyalty programs. The revelation sheds a little more light on the Justice Department?s increasing power and willingness to surveil Americans with little to no judicial or Congressional oversight.
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http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/12/realtime/