Article Blog 5: New Technology and Cell Phones (February 14, 2010)

With an increase in the development in technology, society is becoming shaped around these newer, faster ways that technology presents to people. Although technology makes many aspects of life easier, it also allows for the opportunity of crime to increase by taking new routes. In the article, “New Technologies Aim to Stop Phone Theft Fraud,” (see link: http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/189119/new_technologies_aim_to_stop_phone_theft_fraud.html) Jeremy Kirk explains that the U.K. government is developing three new technologies to help safeguard stolen phones. Kirk explains, “The increasing use of mobile devices for e-mail, banking applications and contactless payments puts users at increased risk of becoming fraud victims when phones go missing.” The first of the new technologies to protect one’s identity if his or her phone is stolen is the i-migo which is a Bluetooth storage device that must be within a certain range of the phone. If the range is exceeded, then the phone will lock up. Another product is the TouchSafe, a radio frequency card that authenticates contactless payment transactions with their phone. Thirdly, there is a device called the Tie that links a person’s phone to their SIM card. This protects data stored on the SIM card. These new technologies will help prevent identity theft if a person’s phone is stolen or lost.

Although technology has presented many positives for society, it has also created as many problems. With each problem there becomes new and improved technology aimed at combating that negative. Society will be greatly affected by this new technology. Although technology allows for people to be a victim of identity theft, new technology designed to prevent just that will allow for more individuals to take advantage of the great technology that has been presented to them. Phones which are the main source for communications, unfortunately allow for individuals’ important personal information to be taken advantage of in the wrong way if their phone is stolen. In the article, “Government Calls for Action on Mobile Phone Crime,” (see link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8509299.stm) Rory Cellan writes, “Around 2% of British mobile phone users report they have suffered a theft in the last year, although for teenagers the figure is three times higher.” With this being said, although this new technology will not help prevent phone theft, it will assist in preventing individuals’ identity, personal information, and records from being stolen. Also, Cellan shows that something that people are all concerned about can become a new industry. With this new technology being produced, people will feel as if they need to protect themselves by buying this new technology. As a result, this technology has the opportunity of affecting society in a variety of ways, from creating new industries to protecting one’s identity.