The use of camera phones in workplaces and leisure centres has
raised privacy concerns, but a new system, Safe Haven, is promising
to calm the fear. Iceberg Systems' new product establishes wireless
privacy zones that jam the camera application in a mobile
phone.
The mobile application software specialists yesterday announced
the launch of its new system, which establishes wireless privacy
zones to prevent the use of camera phones in areas such as
workplaces, government buildings and public areas where privacy or
security could be compromised by the ability to take and send
photographic images or video.
The system works by sending a signal announcing the presence of
a wireless privacy zone. On receiving this signal the camera phone
will automatically disable its imaging system. Voice, text and all
other functions will still work, even within the privacy zone.
Once out of the zone the imaging systems will be re-enabled.
By controlling the availability of the signal within a
restricted area, says Iceberg Systems, wireless privacy zones can
be implemented without interfering with legitimate uses of the
devices.
The system is now being beta tested with a range of mobile
devices and the company says it is holding talks with leading
handset manufacturers. The snag is that it needs their cooperation
to function – so only future handsets will be compatible with the
system.
