this post was submitted on 08 Oct 2025
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  • Earlier this year ICE ordered new vehicles equipped with smartphone-tracking hardware.
  • Cell-tower simulating “Stingray” devices gather records on phones in their vicinity.
  • Luckily, Android 16 includes new measure for detecting when you may be monitored in this fashion.
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[–] Hirom@beehaw.org 29 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (4 children)

Police and government agencies can track phones even when they're connected to a genuine cell towers, via mobile operators. It's just slightly more convenient for them to use an ISMI catcher because they collect data without going through a third party.

Assume a mobile phone can be tracked if it's powered, regardless of iOS or Android version and settings.

[–] 01189998819991197253 2 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Many are trackable when off, too. So, that just fantabulous.

[–] Wahots@pawb.social 2 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] 01189998819991197253 2 points 3 weeks ago

They don't fully turn off. I don't remember the official name for it, but it's a low energy state. It's how Apple can track your stolen MacBook or iphone, even if the thief turned it off.

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