• qwertyqwertyqwerty@lemmy.one
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      1 year ago

      This predates cell phones. I believe there was a government wiretapping program for many non-criminal citizens back in the 80’s. The program was shelved publicly when it became public knowledge, but continued in the background under different names and different areas of government since. I don’t have a source offhand, but there was a lot of stuff that came to light about this around the time Edward Snowden blew the whistle. The Patriot Act just made a lot of this more legal, and was even expanded under Obama. I don’t believe Trump or Biden have done anything to improve the situation for citizens since.

      • Rapidcreek@reddthat.com
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        1 year ago

        Wireline and wireless all have the ability to tap and trace built into the equipment. If a legal document is presented, it is a very easy thing to do.

        • AngrilyEatingMuffins@kbin.social
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          1 year ago

          They don’t bother with the legal document. Literally every phone call is tapped, and recorded. Many are transcribed. They’ve been waiting for AI to help parse it. Things are going to get a lot worse soon, unless we change course drastically.

          • Rapidcreek@reddthat.com
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            1 year ago

            Way too much data to record from everyone. Target numbers supported with subpoena can be recorded by the legal agency sure. But, the operating companies don’t do it. Too expensive.