The Texas Department of Public Safety has recently entered into a significant contract with Cobwebs Technologies, now part of PenLink, to utilize an advanced AI-powered surveillance tool called Tangles. Valued at $5.3 million and spanning five years, this contract marks a substantial investment in technology designed to enhance law enforcement capabilities. The Tangles software is equipped to conduct in-depth online investigations and track mobile devices, drawing data from a broad range of digital sources, including the open, deep, and dark web, as well as social media platforms.
A notable feature of this surveillance tool is WebLoc, which enables the tracking of mobile devices’ movements within a specified area without the need for a warrant. This functionality has raised significant privacy concerns among advocates who argue that it circumvents legal protections against warrantless searches and infringes on individuals’ privacy rights. Critics assert that such capabilities undermine the constitutional safeguards designed to protect citizens from invasive surveillance practices.
The use of Tangles and WebLoc has sparked a heated debate about the balance between technological advancements in law enforcement and the preservation of civil liberties. While proponents argue that these tools are essential for effectively combating crime and cyber threats, opponents worry about the potential for abuse and the erosion of privacy rights. The technology’s ability to collect and analyze data from various digital channels, including personal smartphones, amplifies these concerns.
PenLink, the parent company of Cobwebs Technologies, defends its technology by emphasizing its role in enhancing public safety and security. The company has previously provided similar solutions to agencies such as the IRS and LAPD, which have praised the software for its effectiveness in investigations. As the deployment of this surveillance tool progresses, the ongoing discourse will likely shape future regulations and oversight concerning the use of advanced surveillance technologies in law enforcement.
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