Cell Phone Stingrays Violate FCC Rules, Law Prof Argues

Law enforcement’s use of stingrays, cell-site simulators that can locate a phone and in some cases intercept calls or messages, violates Federal Communications Commission rules, a law professor argues in a complaint. Laura Moy of Georgetown University argued to the FCC that because stingrays act as fake cell towers, law enforcement agencies lack the spectrum licenses to be able to broadcast at the relevant frequencies. She also noted that when stingrays are used, cell service – including 911 calls – are disrupted. Moy represents the Center for Media Justice, Color of Change, and the New America Foundation. A chief target of the complaint is the Baltimore Police Department. Last year, nearly 2,000 cases in Baltimore were reviewed after it was revealed that the department used stingrays to locate suspects of minor crimes, such as stealing a phone. Moy has asked the FCC to prohibit the Baltimore Police Department from using stingrays going forward.