The FBI has been using push alerts to track down predators.

The FBI has been using push alerts to track down predators.

The Washington Post describes how law enforcers have gotten companies like Google to hand over data associated with push notifications. Investigators use the code to track down child predators, even through encrypted apps, per the Post, but law enforcement around the world could use the tactic to track down activists and others too.

It also sheds light on why Apple might have chosen to update its law enforcement guidelines late last year to require a court order to provide customers’ push notification data.

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