Vote on Dec. 13 to allow 911 to locate cell phones...

[Shibby]

http://911saveslives.org/

I don't know if this is going on everywhere, but it is around here. I know the usuall complaints of tracking people. But I don't see how this couldn't pass. Your thoughts?

[slipshady]

next they will be embedding gps in our backs when we are sleeping

[Primal Instinct]

Wow, this has been in effect for some time now up north. In fact, cell phones (actually, their MAC addresses) are even used to track the whereabouts of suspected criminals as well as possible injured people. This has been common practice since the Patriot Act was signed into law, in which roving wireless wiretaps are one method of surveillance. This was previously a special tool used by law enforcement to prosecute drug dealers, sex offenders and such and was brought into the mainstream for "terrorist" investigations with minimal interference or judicial oversights. It can be used to track "persons of interest" (whatever that broad term may actually mean) and the tracking information could also be mistaken if someone else has your phone with or without your knowledge, especially if they are committing criminal behavior.


How can you tell if your area already has the 911 emergency service? Look on your phone bill and see if there is a 911 surcharge. There are two phases currently put in use. Phase I provides law enforcement/911 operator with information such as the telephone number of the caller and/or the cell tower nearest that caller. Phase II is GPS based (global positioning satelitte) provides the previous stuff but also the lat and longitude of the caller. It's a double-edged sword because on one hand, it can benefit people in need of assistance, even if they don't know exactly where they are. On the other hand, this information can be easily abused and used for tracking purposes while infringing upon privacy rights of citizens. You decide.

[meat12]

I really hope this doesnt happen

[DS-COUSIN]

Like Primal Instinct said, this has already happened. All cell phones have a locater built into the phone (usually looks like cross-hairs at the top of the phone). Some phones allow you to turn it off, but it is under 5 layers of preferences and difficult to find.

[Gainward]

http://911saveslives.org/

I don't know if this is going on everywhere, but it is around here. I know the usuall complaints of tracking people. But I don't see how this couldn't pass. Your thoughts?

I hadnt seen anything about it, but i will def not vote for it. Have you ever read the Patriot Act? it scares the hell outa me last thing im gona do is approve more for them

[njjuicer]

i dont if i do but my sister said sometihn to me the other day about a 911 surcharge on her phone bill and was pissed cuz she didnt wknow why she was gettign charged for the shit but now i have an answer.....fuckin mutha fuckers!

[SloppyJo]

i dont if i do but my sister said sometihn to me the other day about a 911 surcharge on her phone bill and was pissed cuz she didnt wknow why she was gettign charged for the shit but now i have an answer.....fuckin mutha fuckers!

she was pissed over 50 cents?

[Shibby]

I think it is good only so you don't have to try and figure out where you are in an emergency. But I also understand all the other problems along with it. I think about if I was somewhere with my son and couldn't tell the 911 operater where to go.

[Primal Instinct]

she was pissed over 50 cents?

Not necessarily. Some areas allow cell service providers to charge up to at least 1.2% of the overall cell phone bill the customer would receive and THEN tack that amount on afterward. 50 cents is only in some areas and the fee could be much higher depending upon the municipalities and contracts signed with the providers. Of all the monies collected, the 9/11 services gets operating expenses covered and the phone companies get the rest (usually a sizeable amount of cash), obstensibly to cover their 9/11 service equipment/network expenses. Ya, right....

[SloppyJo]

Not necessarily. Some areas allow cell service providers to charge up to at least 1.2% of the overall cell phone bill the customer would receive and THEN tack that amount on afterward. 50 cents is only in some areas and the fee could be much higher depending upon the municipalities and contracts signed with the providers. Of all the monies collected, the 9/11 services gets operating expenses covered and the phone companies get the rest (usually a sizeable amount of cash), obstensibly to cover their 9/11 service equipment/network expenses. Ya, right....

Ok, I was just reading what was on the website Shibby posted.

[njjuicer]

she was pissed over 50 cents?

no i dont recall fi it was 50 indeff or what but it was the fact that they ddint tell ehr untill she seen ehr first phone bill (new phone and service provider) thats why she was pissed

[blm]

It's a double-edged sword because on one hand, it can benefit people in need of assistance, even if they don't know exactly where they are. On the other hand, this information can be easily abused and used for tracking purposes while infringing upon privacy rights of citizens. You decide.

Ah, tis the question too little or too much government...