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Imagine if they could get a hold of that kind of data in an investigation. They'd know where you were, what you did, who you were with, etc.


Indeed. I was rather shocked to hear a friend had be subpoenaed for a DNA swab based on phone tracking data, along with a handful of other men, in connection with a rape case that happened early in the morning (so few phones in the area). The idea was two-fold a) rule out suspects, and b) (presumably) get in touch with potential witnesses. While everyone wants the guilty party to get caught, I'm unsure what options one would have about refusing such a swab. In theory that swab wouldn't be held on file (but who can know if there is a secret backup of such data -- we don't have adequate oversight in Norway either).


I'm not aware of any legal precedent under which you can refuse to cooperate with an ongoing police investigation, except where such investigation would violate your basic rights (e.g. Bill of Rights in the USA)

In the USA you'd probably have to contend it is either unreasonable search and/or seizure, which would be a difficult case to make.

Edit: Looks like the SCOTUS ruled on DNA testing & the Fourth Amendment just last year.


They can already get your mobile records during a court ordered investigation. That information includes where you were and who you were with. Or rather where your phone was and who your phone was with.




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