Cell Phone Surveillance

Cell Phone Surveillance

Cell Phone Surveillance is just one of the many ways technology has evolved per consumer desires. After 9/11, it became apparent we were not using our cell phones to their full capacity. With the new technology out there, it was determined that if we combined GPS technology with cell phones, it would be easier to track and locate people (such as those trapped in a fire or building collapse).

As good ideas often do, this one has a variety of implications.

• There are parents using it to keep track of their children
• There are law enforcement officials tracking criminals
• There are rescue personnel locating missing persons
• There are families tracking Alzhiemer patients
• Spouses know where each other is (particularly helpful during times of travel or marital strife)
• Locating a lost or stolen cell phone

Of course, the downside of such technology is that one more aspect of our privacy has been eaten away. As of 2005, all cell phones have to have a GPS locater in them. That means if we were going through something like the "Red Scare" and our neighbor thought we were communist, law enforcement officials would have enough of an excuse to get permission to track us. Also, this can be used by stalkers to keep track of their victims. Private detectives can use cell phone tracking to keep track of whoever they have on surveillance.

How Do I Obtain Cell Phone Surveillance?

The best place to start is by contacting your current cell phone provider and see what plans they have available that would suit your needs. There are several options out there. Don't just go with the first one you get information from either. Check around to make sure you find the product that is right for your needs and your budget.

General Technology Issues

Remember that anytime you carry a cell phone, you are carrying a piece of electronics with a gps, a radio transmitter, a computer, and a microphone and speaker. Electronic equipment have many characteristics, and simply because the cell phone is not on does not mean you are not transmitting important information to people. Technology is changing all of the time, and it is certainly possible for people adept at radio surveillance to track a cell phone that is on but is still not connected to anything. A cell phone that is on is always talking to a cell tower somewhere. In addition, a microphone that is simply sitting in an un-powered phone is still creating micro-voltages -- working to a very small degree. While these characteristics of electronics are not important in everyday life, they could be important if somebody is trying to surveil you or it you wish to surveil somebody else.

Privacy Issues

Like many things in life, cell phone surveillance can be used for good or bad purposes. You should be aware that if you are using cell phone surveillance for illegal operations (such as stalking) you can end up in jail. But as with all things, don't let the bad apples spoil a very helpful advance in technology for everyone else. Just be careful. Know your rights. Know what is legal and what is not. Take advantage of how this technology can improve your peace of mind.