🚨Texas Police Buy $4.5M FalcoNet SUVs for Mass Surveillance
Mass surveillance tech now on wheels in Texas
TL;DR
Texas State Police spent $4.5 million on FalcoNet-equipped SUVs, raising privacy concerns as the technology can track phones without consent. The legality of such surveillance remains unclear.
Texas State Police have purchased a fleet of SUVs equipped with FalcoNet technology for $4.5 million to protect state personnel and property. This mass surveillance tech intercepts phone signals via cell towers, raising significant privacy concerns as it can collect data without user consent. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that people have an expectation of privacy in their location data, making the legality of this new tool questionable. The purchase includes 4 Chevrolet Tahoes, FalcoNet Core Systems, and Delta 5G Perpetual licenses.
Key Points
Texas State Police spent $2.85 million on FalcoNet Core Systems to track phone signals via cell towers.
Unlicensed FalcoNet core system cost an additional $200k, adding up the total price tag of $4.5M.
The purchase includes 4 Chevrolet Tahoes equipped with surveillance technology for mobile tracking operations.
FalcoNet requires a DC power input between 24v and 36v, consuming about 35 watts at idle and 260 watts during full transmission.
Texas DPS approved the emergency purchase citing immediate needs to protect state personnel and property.
Why It Matters
If you're in Texas or any area with similar surveillance tech, your location data might be under scrutiny. The Supreme Court's ruling on privacy could challenge such practices, but until then, this technology poses a significant threat to personal privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
If you're in Texas or any area with similar surveillance tech, your location data might be under scrutiny. The Supreme Court's ruling on privacy could challenge such practices, but until then, this technology poses a significant threat to personal privacy.
What happened?
Texas State Police spent $4.5 million on FalcoNet-equipped SUVs, raising privacy concerns as the technology can track phones without consent. The legality of such surveillance remains unclear.
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