What is a StingRay device?

A Stingray device in 2013, in Harris's trademark submission. The StingRay is an IMSI-catcher, a controversial cellular phone surveillance device, manufactured by Harris Corporation. read more

The StingRay downloads this data directly from the device using radio waves. In some cases, the IMSI or equivalent identifier of a target device is known to the StingRay operator beforehand. When this is the case, the operator will download the IMSI or equivalent identifier from each device as it connects to the StingRay. read more

[Updated March 2018]The map below tracks what we know, based on press reports and publicly available documents, about the use of stingray tracking devices by state and local police departments. Following the map is a list of the federal agencies known to have the technology. read more

Stingrays, also known as “cell site simulators” or “IMSI catchers,” are invasive cell phone surveillance devices that mimic cell phone towers and send out signals to trick cell phones in the area into transmitting their locations and identifying information. read more