Phone Privacy: A Reassertion in Court

Recently, the ruling on cellphone privacy was reasserted, and owners and users praised the decision. Many believe that this would secure users and their rights. Of course, one should always respect private conversations of individuals and the court ruling is in support of that.

It is important therefore to discuss the matter on such. Below are a few things you need to know about the recent court ruling, since it is vital for you and for everyone around.

 

1.       The police need warrants to search phones

Just like searching one’s establishments or abode, warrants have now been deemed necessary, even for mobile devices. It is illegal, therefore, for authorities to simply rummage through your phone out of suspicion without due process.

 

2.       The rule above is also applicable to those who are under arrest

Similarly, a warrant should be issued before authorities search through messages and other information contained within mobile devices belonging to those who’ve just been incarcerated. As per the right to remain silent, one may choose to submit to a search if there isn’t any warrant granting the police permission.

 

3.       The court ruling also covers call logs

Not only are messages protected, but also your call logs. A lot of us do understand that whoever you’ve called up recently ought to be kept confidential. Authorities are not only forbidden from searching whom you’ve recently talked with on the phone, but are also prohibited from contacting them accordingly.

 

4.       The police may still look at the physical aspects of the phone

Though they aren’t allowed to search through your messages and call logs, authorities may see to it that the phone may not be used as a weapon of any sort. Data on phones do not cause any harm, but criminals often use mobile devices as weapons such as bomb triggers and the like.

It’s understood that you care about your private life. Do you believe that the recent court ruling will be favorable for you? Do you see it as a good thing? In any case, one thing’s for sure: It will protect the privacy of citizens from the prying eyes of authorities, regardless of how good their intentions are.