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By Ray Reed
The News & Advance, MCT Regional News
RICHMOND
Private detectives have started using GPS tracking devices to follow political candidates' movements, says Del. Kathy Byron, and she is proposing legislation to make the practice a misdemeanor.
Even though people may be running for public office, "we are still entitled to some privacy," Byron, R-Campbell County, said in describing HB 2320, titled "Unauthorized use of electronic tracking device for opposition research."
It has been common practice for several years for candidates to send aides known as "trackers" with video cameras to record their opponents' campaign speeches and press conferences.
The video practice has produced some memorable YouTube clips in Virginia politics, including Republican George Allen's "macaca moment" in 2006 and Democrat Creigh Deeds' calling a reporter "young lady" in 2009.
Byron, a Republican legislator for 14 years, said "we found out" that electronic spying has grown to include GPS tracking by private investigators, and it isn't limited to campaign appearances.
The proposed legislation says: "A person who installs or places an electronic tracking device in or on a vehicle ... with the intent to track the location, movements, conduct, or activities of a person who is a member of any political party or political organization for use in opposition research is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor."
Class 3 misdemeanors can carry fines up to $500.
The legislation explains that "opposition research" is "the gathering of information related to a person's activities to be publicly disclosed in any manner during a political campaign or for any other politically oriented purpose."
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gps tracking systems
I keep seeing these "gps tracking is unethical" type stories pop up daily. When I first purchased a gps tracking system from http://www.gpsnorthamerica.com - the first thing they mentioned was to gain the CONSENT of drivers beforehand. The only difference between ethical and unethical use is CONSENT or a WARRANT for its use!
Tracking devices
This is not the only bill regarding tracking. HR2032 sponsored by Joe May applies to all citizens and makes it illegal to plant a tracking device- here is the summary:
Prohibits a person from placing, through intentionally deceptive means, an electronic tracking device in or on a vehicle. The prohibition would not apply to law-enforcement officers, judicial officers, probation or parole officers, or employees of the Department of Corrections in the lawful performance of their duties or to parents or guardians of minors. A violation of the section is a Class 3 misdemeanor. This bill is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science.
You don't have to "plant" a tracker
Modern cell phones have GPS built into them even if you can't access the function from the user interface. It was supposed to make 911 calls easier to find, the 911 operator would get a location from the phone. But it can also be used by stalkers, police, and apparently by people keeping tabs on politicians. So, all you need is the cell number of the person you're trying to track and hope they updated their phone recently (last 4 years).
GPS
It seems to me that use of the GPS on anyone,not just politicians,would be a violation of your privacy,unless you agree to let them follow your moves by GPS. The upside of this would be, if you got lost,help could find you quicker. I personally don't have any objection to having a GPS give my location. I hope I never have to need it.
GPS
It is a way to find out WHO they are making deals with.
Here we go again...
More protection/perks for the "leaders" and NOTHING for the "commoners."
Why were WE THE PEOPLE left out of this proposed legislation?
Why are they so worried? Something to hide?
Get over yourselves and do the job that we elected you to do: represent US--not yourselves!!!!
This isn't going to last...this antiquated system of representation.
How about if WE THE PEOPLE use this new fangled technology--ONLINE VOTING in order to speak for ourselves. This would erase the wa$te and inefficient actions of one person elected to speak for thousands--and certainly put an end to cronyism.
Not one of you so called leaders have spoken for me YET!
CookbookLady
Why isn't illegal to do this to ANYONE without their consent or a search warrant? If the person isn't researching a public figure, then they're probably stalking someone else or worse. I've had stalkers over the years, none were ever arrested for what they did to me. One was probably involved in raping and murdering a girl here in Virginia a couple of years ago, and is still at large as far as I know. Why allow a practice that helps people like him in their crimes?
I wish the politicians cared
I wish the politicians cared about this country and the saftey of all USA citizen as they care about their own safety.
The holier than thou crowd
First they start a do not call list, but don't include politicians. Now they want to be excluded form being tracked.
These darn politicians need to get off their high horse. Being elected is a service to the citizens, not a means to exclude yourself from the same rules, laws, and expectations of the average citizen.
OnStar
If you have a GM auto with OnStar you can be tracked very easily, they can even listen to your conversations within the car. When you stop paying for the service it doesn't work on your end but still works on their end. The only way around it is to have the transmitter unit removed from the vehicle. Welcome to the future.
To stay on topic no one, including politicians, should be tracked without their express consent.