Self tracking
I read a chilling article today from a news outlet that managed to purchase cell phone data from people who had visited Planned Parenthood. It cost them a whole $160 to get a list of everyone who had visited the clinics based on their phone locations.
Smartphones are really insidious. When one leaves the house, the first two things they usually check before they close the door are that they have their keys and their phone - not necessarily in that order.
Many people have become so dependent on - even addicted to - their smartphones that the thought of leaving home without them can be a cause of genuine anxiety.
What often does not occur to people is that between GPS, and triangulation between cell towers, the movements of their phones can be tracked with frightening accuracy. When we slip the phone into our pocket or purse on our way out the door, we may as well be clamping on one of those tracking bracelets they use for parolees.
For the most part, I am aware of the tracking, and not that bothered by it because my movements are too mundane to attract any interest. But if I lived in a budding theocracy, there are times when the phone would remain home, or at least be shut off for a few hours here and there as I engaged in activities that became more and more legally grey under their leadership.
Smartphones are really insidious. When one leaves the house, the first two things they usually check before they close the door are that they have their keys and their phone - not necessarily in that order.
Many people have become so dependent on - even addicted to - their smartphones that the thought of leaving home without them can be a cause of genuine anxiety.
What often does not occur to people is that between GPS, and triangulation between cell towers, the movements of their phones can be tracked with frightening accuracy. When we slip the phone into our pocket or purse on our way out the door, we may as well be clamping on one of those tracking bracelets they use for parolees.
For the most part, I am aware of the tracking, and not that bothered by it because my movements are too mundane to attract any interest. But if I lived in a budding theocracy, there are times when the phone would remain home, or at least be shut off for a few hours here and there as I engaged in activities that became more and more legally grey under their leadership.