FYI: Cell Phone Surveillance

by Team TCP

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Here's a breakdown of how cell phone surveillance can occur:

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• Tracking: Your phone constantly communicates with cell towers, revealing your location. Law enforcement with a warrant can access this data to track your movements. Additionally, some apps collect location information for targeted advertising or other purposes.

• Monitoring: Cell phone companies can monitor data usage, including call history, text messages, and internet browsing activity. This information is typically used for billing purposes, but it can also be collected and sold to third parties.

• Bugging: Involves installing spyware on a phone, which can record calls, texts, and even surrounding conversations. This is typically done by someone with physical access to the phone, though malicious software downloads can also be a culprit.

• Eavesdropping: Interception of phone calls and text messages while they are being transmitted. This is a complex feat requiring specialized equipment and authorization, but it is not unheard of.

• Recording Conversations and Text Messages: Similar to bugging, some spyware can record conversations and text messages directly on the phone. This information can then be uploaded to a remote server.

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The legality of cell phone surveillance varies depending on the method used and whether law enforcement is involved. It's important to check the laws in your jurisdiction.

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Protecting Yourself from Cell Phone Surveillance:

• Be mindful of app permissions: Don't grant unnecessary permissions to apps you download.

• Beware of suspicious downloads: Only download apps from trusted sources.

• Use strong passwords and encryption: This can help prevent unauthorized access to your phone's data.

• Be aware of your surroundings: If you suspect your phone is bugged, avoid sensitive conversations in its vicinity.

• Review your privacy settings: Most phone operating systems and apps offer privacy settings that you can adjust to limit data collection.​​​

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​​​BONUS:

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While the planet continues to enforce a mandatory online existence, some feel there's too much of their information online. Here's what you can do.

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1. One buried Google Maps setting you need to change now: www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/one-buried-google-maps-setting-you-need-to-change-now/ar-AAKx4JG?ocid=msedgntp

2. Change these 3 hidden Google settings to protect your privacy: www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/change-these-3-hidden-google-settings-to-protect-your-privacy/ar-AAKF0Gf?ocid=msedgntp

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3. How to Preemptively Block Ad-Tracking on Your Android: www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/how-to-preemptively-block-ad-tracking-on-your-android/ar-AAKIt87?ocid=msedgntp

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4. Why it's time to figure out how to keep personal information private, yet useful: www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/why-it-s-time-to-figure-out-how-to-keep-personal-information-private-yet-useful/ar-AAKSwJp?ocid=msedgntp

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5. Yes, the internet fails: Outages like Fastly's will happen. Here's how to protect yourself: www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/yes-the-internet-fails-outages-like-fastly-s-will-happen-here-s-how-to-protect-yourself/ar-AAKQ39R?ocid=msedgntp

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6. Robocalls making you crazy? Here are 5 ways to stop them for good: www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/robocalls-making-you-crazy-here-are-5-ways-to-stop-them-for-good/ar-AAKJqRS?ocid=msedgntp

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7. Want to erase yourself from the internet? Here’s how: www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/want-to-erase-yourself-from-the-internet-here-s-how/ar-AAKqSvI?ocid=msedgntp

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Source assistance via Google​​​

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