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Guess Who Bought Your Phone Records?
John Stith
Staff Writer
2006-01-12
 Insider Reports RSS Feed
One of the biggest sides to cyber crime continues to be privacy problems. A political blog recently began discussing the issue and more specifically, how easy it is to acquire cell phone records for a nominal fee. At this time, federal regulations are minimal regarding cell phones and even finding unpublished landline numbers.
A blog known for a more liberal viewpoint called AmericaBlog, recently purchased three days of call records for about $90 of former presidential candidate and retired General Wesley Clark. The blog went on to say they attempted to purchase other records, but apparently, the site LocateCell.com wouldn't provide them. The blog suggested it was because LocateCell figured they were being investigated by the blog.
Right now, there's a major political battle in this country regarding privacy and the extent to which the government in monitoring people's electronic transmissions. Cases like this would seem to almost make the arguments for privacy somewhat moot because it seems anyone could get just about anyone's phone records for a fee.
The Electronic Privacy and Information Center (EPIC) is currently waging a campaign against the sale of the phone records. The point out on their site that the Chicago Police Dept. warned its officers that private investigators could access and sell their phone records.
A number of phone companies are looking to the Federal Communications Commission to regulate this behavior. Those companies include BellSouth, Verizon, Verizon Wireless, SBC and the CTIA and they're all arguing in favor of tougher security standards. Verisign filed comments and included a directory interoperability standard adopted by the ITU that could increase the security of phone records. Verizon Wireless is filing suit against companies selling phone records.
This saga has been going on for a while but regardless, the phone records need to be protected. If they can tap mobiles and landlines, the VoIP is going to be accessible too. Unlisted numbers will be moot. Cell phones will be open to telemarketers free and clear. In any event, these companies sell your privacy for $100. One would think it was worth a bit more.
About the Author:
John is a staff writer for SecurityProNews covering cyber security.
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