Just how closely are police monitoring your cell phone activity?

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – BC’s information and privacy commissioner has started an inquiry into “stingray” surveillance devices.

Michael Vonn with the BC Civil Liberties Association wants to know whether Vancouver Police are using the technology, which can tap into people’s cell phones.

“We have a situation in Canada, where law enforcement intelligence is refusing to even have this discussion because they will not acknowledge that these devices are used. That’s a problem in a democracy, where we need that transparency in order to have the public discussion.”

“We have seen so many new technologies; they’re often developed in the military, and they soon find their way into law enforcement. We need maximum transparency… not intruding on our constitutional rights,” adds Vonn.

Stingrays mimic cell phone towers and can collect text and audio conversations, as well as other data.

Vonn hopes to hear a decision by this summer and says the findings could set a precedent for other cities in Canada.

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