Police tracking mobile phones - ie the people who are carrying them

D_M_E

It's aready happening https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-52017993 though that's in Taiwan, not the UK.

MoneySeeker1

WOW! I didn't know that. That is seriously bad!

Neil49

MoneySeeker1 said:

WOW! I didn't know that. That is seriously bad!

So I take it that you won't be visiting Taiwan any time soon! 

MoneySeeker1

I think we can guarantee that one - ie no Taiwanese visits LOL. But it's not a country I would visit anyway. My preference is for liberal Western countries and Mediterranean countries.

Some years back I just let my passport expire - but held onto it for "proof of identity" (ie because my photo and birthdate are in it) just in case I needed it in the future. There are countries I still wish to see - but some years back I put that "on hold" for the rest of my life anyway. 

Right now - thank goodness I did. I feel for those 1 million people from Britain stuck overseas currently and there are ones that (for one reason or another) will never make it back to Britain. I would hate to be stuck in India right now for instance (not even a Western country).

Farway

MoneySeeker1 said:

wongataa said:

This sort of tracking works with any phone.  The mobile providers know roughly where any phone that is turned on and connected to the mobile networks is because they know which masts the phone is connected to.  If the phone is switched off then the location is unknown.

I foresee a business opportunity for someone - ie making some sort of metal "privacy cases" it would be possible to put your phone in whilst out and about that would "shield" it from this (akin to those wallet things that contactless bank cards can be put in to stop interference).

Already available if you are concerned https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/Aluminum-Foil-Bags/20653/bn_7023444102 or just wrap phone in tin foil and unwrap to use it, as you would a packet of sandwiches

rimatron

UK police have been using Stingray devices since 2015  to track mobiles phone!

Google " Mass snooping fake mobile towers 'uncovered in UK "

twhitehousescat

use a not "smart" phone and if you need to make a call , stand in a steel shed 

[Deleted User]

MoneySeeker1 said:

I foresee a business opportunity for someone - ie making some sort of metal "privacy cases" it would be possible to put your phone in whilst out and about that would "shield" it from this (akin to those wallet things that contactless bank cards can be put in to stop interference).

Why don't you do as Sarah Connor did in the last Terminator movie and keep your phone double bagged in empty crisp wrappers?

[Deleted User]

Moneyineptitude said:Why don't you do as Sarah Connor did in the last Terminator movie and keep your phone double bagged in empty crisp wrappers?

Have you tried buying crisps lately?

More chance of finding Sarah Connor in a supermarket 

liggerz87

Also need to be aware of as you only use your phone in an emergency be careful for it to just get disconnected as some networks require one call or txt every 6 months to keep it activated