Many smartphone apps collect user location data, but it remains unclear if companies like Facebook or X store this data in a manner accessible to law enforcement. As a result, agencies may increasingly turn to data brokers who specialize in buying and selling personal information, including location data.
This shift raises new ethical and legal questions about the sources and use of such data.
The landscape of law enforcement surveillance is poised for significant changes. As privacy concerns and legal challenges mount, the future of geolocation data in criminal investigations remains uncertain. Balancing the need for effective law enforcement with the protection of individual privacy rights will be crucial as new policies and technologies emerge.