The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have sued the Department of Justice for failing to comply with their Freedom of Information Act request, which demanded records related to the government’s use of cell phones to track individuals. Government prosecutors have been using information gleaned from cell phone providers like AT&T and Verizon Wireless to conduct investigations and track the whereabouts of suspects for several years. Some judges, however, have sought to curb this practice, demanding probable cause for the use of the technology.

In November of 2007, the ACLU and EFF put in their FIA request, and the DOJ did not provide the requested documents. David Sobel, representing EFF in the suit, explains the motive behind bringing the suit now, stating:

“Further delays will allow important privacy polices to be developed behind closed doors.”

How do you feel about DOJ’s tracking policy? Please leave your comments below.

Source: The New York Times