Feds to study illegal use of spy gear

The Federal Communications Commission has established a task force to study reported misuse of surveillance technology that can intercept cellular signals to locate people, monitor their calls and send malicious software to their phones.

The powerful technology -- called an IMSI catcher, though also referred to by the trade name “Stingray” -- is produced by several major surveillance companies and widely used by police and intelligence services around the world.

The FCC, in response to questions from Rep Alan Grayson (D-FL), plans to study the extent to which criminal gangs and foreign intelligence services are using the devices against Americans.