WASHINGTON – How much cellphone data is actually private?

Courts across the nation are taking up the issue. Judges are issuing divergent rulings over what’s a reasonable expectation of privacy, The New York Times reports.

The expectation of privacy raises questions as more work and private information is stored on cellphones.

Right now, after 180 days, texts, emails and Facebook messages all can be viewed without a probable cause warrant.

A Senate committee Thursday will consider a proposed amendment that would require police to get a warrant to search email, regardless of when users are sent messages.

The Bipartisan Congressional Privacy Caucus has been gathering information on how cellphone carriers handle police requests for information, according to The New York Times.

Cell carriers say in 2011 police agencies made 1.3 million demands for text messages and other information, the Times reports.

Do you think the government going too far in going after cellphone records? Or is law enforcement just doing its job? Should a search warrant be required?