Most people seem to believe that the public broadcasting of an illegally
intercepted cell phone conversation would be illegal. However, the US Supreme Court has found that
the First Amendment allows an illegally intercepted cell phone conversation to
be shared with others when the conversation involves matters of significant
public interest. While your conversation
may not be of significant public interest, it reminds us that people may be
listening and taking our private information at any time.
The Wall Street Journal has recently published allegations of the FBI being
capable of remotely activating Android microphones. While this can only be done under court
orders, the capability is there and we should be aware.
All U.S. cell phone carriers are required, under Federal Communications
Commission orders, to make it possible for police to locate cell phones calling
911. This is because people with cell
phones generally always carry their phone with them. Something we forget is that the FCC
regulations give the thriving market for selling personal information the exact
locations at all times of more than 140 million people. Knowing someone's location at all times adds
a significant new twist to tracking information about people.
"There are some things you don't mind other people knowing, but your
location isn't one of them," said Gary Laden, a privacy program director
for BBB Online, a Better Business Bureau subsidiary.
Services providers (like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile) collect
data, but are not forthcoming in detailing exactly what they collect, the
reasons they collect it, and their data retention policies.
Did you know that cellular phones use radio frequencies, which can be
easily intercepted? Eavesdroppers use
simple devices to intercept the analog radio waves that carry wireless
calls. They can then listen to your
private conversations, steal your credit card information and can even find out
when you'll be on vacation to plan their evil deeds.
What is one of the greatest advantages of retaining a landline phone number? The answer is: the security of your personal conversations.
So, if you want to keep your cell phone private, choose to keep your
landline. Also, if you want to keep the
cost of your landline down contact National Access Long Distance and save money
on your long distance services.
