Tech News: Michigan Police Use UFED

Next time you’re pulled over for a moving violation -- you may be asked to hand over your license, registration, insurance, and … cell phone?

It’s all because of a gadget called the Universal Forensic Extraction Device or UFED. The device can capture data such as text messages, photos, and contacts once connected to a cell phone.

But can police use the device without a search warrant? A legal analyst for WJBK says that would violate a person’s Fourth Amendment rights.

Rightardia first heard about this device on Cryptome. There is both a fixed and mobile version of this device which was initially used by police for forensics and allows technicians to clone a cell phone and copy the GPS data, phone records and operating system of the cell phone.

The police would also be able to monitor any new phone calls to your cell phone as well with this technology.

Do the police have any right to stop you on the highway and ask you for your cell phone? Rightardia suggest they do not without a search warrant. If you hand over you phone, you have surrendered your right to privacy.

Likewise, if the police search your home and have a search warrant, do not give them any of your computer or network passwords. If you do, you have surrendered your right to privacy.