GPS Tracking Court Decision Draconian, Seller

Imagine a world where police, federal agents and private investigators can access any conversation, see anybody at any time and can record wherever they have been without the person even knowing.

Spooky yes? Well, this draconic ‘Big Brother’ scenario is getting closer to becoming reality following a recent decision by the California Federal Court of Appeals to uphold the unlawful use of GPS tracking devices by federal agents in a drug case.

Juan Pineda-Moreno, the unlucky person to be traced, was convicted of drug trafficking after federal agents placed hidden GPS trackers on his Jeep without bothering to get a search warrant.

Pineda-Moreno appealed to the Federal Court but was turned down because the FBI placed the GPS tracking devices when the SUV was on public property.

But you follow the letter of the law, why should you care about this seemingly isolated case?

This incident directly violates the US Constitution's 4th Amendment  -- the only protection people have against warrantless use of GPS tracking devices by police, federal agents and other government authorities.

If the 4th Amendment would have been followed it would mean that police could not just go out and place any type of hidden tracker on your vehicle or property without getting the OK from the DA and then telling you they were about  to  do it.

Imagine the impact it could have on you if law enforcement officials or private investigators were able to place whatever they want on your vehicle just because it was parked on public property.

That would be a complete invasion of privacy, something that many people hold in the highest regard, even though there are so many spy-like tools are available in the market – and at wholesale prices!

The only way to combat technology is to counter it with the same technology – through the use of GPS jammers. Whether the courts uphold the 4th Amendment or not in relation to the use of warrantless GPS tracking devices nothing can stop a person from ordering and buying a GPS tracker, throw it into your car, then track and record where you are going – all without your knowledge.

While it is still illegal to buy GPS jammers within the United States, anyone can order these devices from international wholesale suppliers and have them sent out the next day. However, one thing to realize is that these wholesalers put the onus of customs on you.

It would be wise to see what considerations to make before purchasing any type of GPS tracking device.

However, civic rights groups are fighting the unwarranted use of GPS tracking devices by private parties and law enforcement agencies in US courts. They are dedicated to the fight of restricting use of GPS tracking devices by law enforcement authorities to track people only after obtaining a valid search warrant for a judge.