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As stated by another comment, now they have to create the standard paper trail for each tracking instance, which makes accountability and transparency a semi-valid possibility

Probable cause is a low bar, but it's quantifiably higher than no bar. What constitutes sufficient PC for a warrant is a related, but distinct issue from whether PC (however interpreted) is required at all.

Yes, but now the police have to do the work of asking, which is better than nothing.

AND a judge has to put their name on it. Granted, IDs of judges are kept secret for certain courts, BUT nothing stays secret forever, e.g. Stasi records in the former DDR.