Fog Data Science aggregates this data into a massive, searchable database. This allows law enforcement agencies to trace a device’s location history over extended periods and identify all devices within a specific geographic area at a given time.
Unlike traditional communication service providers, Fog Data Science does not require a warrant for police access, simplifying the data acquisition process for law enforcement but bypassing judicial oversight.
The Egypt Covington Case
In 2017, the murder of Egypt Covington in Van Buren Township, Michigan, remained unsolved for three years. It wasn’t until the Michigan State Police took over the investigation and utilized geolocation data from Fog Data Science that they made significant progress.
Investigators identified and tracked the 3 suspects using cellphone location data, ultimately solving the case. The men that killed Egypt were unknown to her before they broke into the wrong duplex and murdered her.
The breakthrough highlighted the potential of geolocation data in criminal investigations but also sparked debate over privacy rights and the ethical use of such data.
Ethical and Legal Implications
The use of geolocation data by law enforcement has been met with criticism from civil liberties advocates. The primary concern is the potential for abuse and the violation of individuals’ privacy rights.
