# posted by Damon @ 3/08/2007 06:55:00 PM
"The FBI has developed a new form of electronic surveillance, which remotely activates a mobile telephone’s microphone and uses it to eavesdrop on nearby conversations. The technique, called a “roving bug,” was approved by the Justice Department for use in criminal investigations. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan upheld its legality, noting that the eavesdropping technique “functioned whether the phone was powered on or off.” Nextel and Samsung handsets and the Motorola Razr are especially vulnerable to the technique, according to counter-surveillance consultant James Atkinson, who told CNET News that the only practical defense against roving bugs is to remove the batteries from cellphones when they aren’t in use."
Roland Sweet, Seven DaysWow, that's pretty impressive and you'd think that the manufacturer would have to build that kind of functionality in.
wow thats scary. remind me not to upgrade my phone.