Cellphone Privacy Issues

Your cell phone can track your location.

Privacy issues are inherent in cellphone use, from the data stored on the phone to the records the carrier keeps. Because you carry it with you, your cellphone essentially keeps a diary of how you spend your day, which can be useful information for criminals. The data that you store on your phone can be easily accessible if your phone is lost or stolen, which can leave you vulnerable. Protect your privacy by understanding cellphone privacy issues.

Someone Listening to Your Calls

Cellphones have a privacy issue in that people around you may be able to eavesdrop on your private calls. If you're using the phone around people, they will be able to hear what you're saying and possibly what the other person is saying. Cellphones can also be tapped, so that someone can remotely hear the conversation without you knowing. Cellphone tapping is more likely when the phone is running on analog service instead of digital service, so keep your phone on digital service whenever possible.

Carrier Phone Logs

Your cellphone carrier keeps a record of when, where, and to whom you are speaking when you use your cellphone. If these records are compromised, a criminal could have access to a wide assortment of private information. To keep your data as secure as possible, shred any paper copies of your logs and keep your online account with your carrier up to date and secure.

Data on the Cellphone

If you've stored data such as numbers, passwords or account information on your phone, that data is in jeopardy if your phone is stolen or lost. Even if you delete items from the phone, they may not be entirely gone. Avoid storing sensitive information on your phone. If you're getting rid of your phone, be sure to remove the SIM card and permanently delete any remaining information stored on the phone.

Smartphone Issues

Smartphones make it convenient to have access to many applications and websites on the go, but you can also risk your privacy if you're not careful. Don't store passwords or account numbers if you access your bank or personal accounts using the phone. Turn off any tracking that would enable a GPS to track your phone. Check your settings for programs on the phone that may enable geotagging, which leaves an account of your whereabouts when you use the phone for certain applications, such as social networking.

References

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Fact Sheet 2 - Wireless Communications - Voice and Data Privacy
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Fact Sheet 34 - Protecting Your Telephone Records - Does Your Carrier's Privacy Policy Ring True?
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Protect Your Cell Phone Records
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Your Cell Phone Can Continue Talking Even After You Get Rid of It
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Geotag, You're It! What Your Smartphone Might Be Saying Behind Your Back