Vehicles equipped with spying technology to collect your phone data
Law enforcement agencies have purchased vehicles equipped with technology that mimics legitimate cell towers. These “cell-site simulators” can cause nearby phones — not just specific targets — to connect automatically, revealing sensitive information.
Technology like this may be described as a public safety tool. But without transparency, strong legal safeguards, and clear oversight, powerful surveillance tools can put everyday privacy at risk.
What you can do:
- If you plan to attend a protest, consider leaving your phone at home — your location, identity, and communications can be tracked or captured without your knowledge.
Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) in crowd control
Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) are being used more frequently in crowd control situations. These devices emit extremely high-decibel sound that can cause intense pain and hearing damage.
These are not ordinary loudspeakers. They are designed to project powerful, concentrated sound over long distances, and exposure can be physically harmful. Here’s a short overview video and a quick demonstration clip showing their high-intensity effects.
What you can do:
- If attending large events or protests, be aware that high-intensity sound devices may be used.
- Protect your hearing if extreme sound levels are present and move away from directed high-decibel sound.
Sensitive government documents uploaded to a public AI tool
A senior leader in the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) uploaded internal federal documents marked for restricted use into a public version of ChatGPT, triggering security alerts and a Department of Homeland Security review to assess possible exposure.
This isn’t just a government mistake. It highlights something bigger.
Public AI tools are powerful — but not private by default. Uploading sensitive material without strict controls can create real risk.
What you can do:
- Treat public AI platforms as public.
- Do not upload confidential information.
- If you run a business, set clear internal AI-use policies.
Why we’re sharing this
Technology should protect, empower, and serve communities, not quietly put privacy or safety at risk.
When we see tools being used in ways that raise concerns, we believe staying informed matters. And we believe you deserve to know.
As always, if you want help reviewing digital tools, tightening privacy settings, or strengthening protections for your team, we’re here. You can book time with us here:
https://calendly.com/geekgirltech/discovery
Stay safe 💛
Resources
Politico – CISA acting director used ChatGPT and triggered internal security alerts
TechCrunch – ICE bought vehicles equipped with fake cell towers to spy on phones
LRAD overview – What long range acoustic devices are and how they work
Short clip demonstrating high-intensity sound device