I would argue it’s worse that law enforcement can just buy data they would otherwise need a warrant to access. In the case of broad data (e.g. location data for every cellphone user in a neighborhood or city) law enforcement can’t legally seize that at all but they can buy it from a broker. It’s a major fourth amendment violation.

You make a valid point, but I have to disagree about the need to collect the data without consent. I think the key here is opt-in. The way cellular devices currently work there is no way to use one without the location tracking. That is not technically required. It’s a design choice on the part of the telecommunications companies. Let’s imagine a telecommunications infrastructure that does not and technically can not track identifying location information. With such an infrastructure, the potential for abuse is immediately gone. Then let people opt-in to location tracking services using apps or other features on their device on an individual basis. I’m not against giving people individual choices. It’s the forced location information gathering that needs to go.

Americans: we will cry foul online until we get an adequate transportation system.

Also Americans: we will cry foul online if you try to collect the data that you need to plan a transportation system.

Just one example of how phone data is useful.