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by jacobquick 4529 days ago
Having worked at one of these carriers I can tell you that everyone there trips over themselves to help out law enforcement. Everyone is constantly thinking up new ways to help, particularly if it's a service they can charge for or some data they can sell. You can be a part-time meter maid in Cracker Barrel, Arkansas and if you know which number to call you will get pretty much any data on any number you want. There was some bespoke software where the cell numbers of undercover law enforcement are not returned from searches but otherwise the data is voluntarily shared because really the government contracts for cellphones from every vendor are so big who would jeopardize them?

When they get a big public backlash about a thing like this the company's lawyers pop in and remind you of the policies, demand to see that you are following them, etc. but no change occurs.