The Daily OrangeCell phone feature unblocks callers, poses potential privacy risk
By Greg Miller
Posted: 2/25/09, 4:16 AM EST Section: News
TelTech Systems, a New Jersey-based communications technology company, introduced a new product Feb. 11 that allows users to unblock restricted calls.
The free program, called TrapCall, recently gained attention for both its innovation and possible privacy infringement.
The basic program, called the "Fly Trap" version, requires the user to register on Trapcall.com, which then provides instructions on how to reprogram their phones.
When a user receives an incoming call from an unlisted or blocked number, he or she can press the "ignore" button, transferring the call to TrapCall's servers. TrapCall then sends the blocked caller's number to the user's phone, according to its Web site. Meanwhile, the person calling from the blocked number hears the normal dial tone, and has no idea anything abnormal has occurred.
"I think this sounds good because it could stop prank calls," said Ashley Christopher, a graduate student studying information management. "There has definitely been at least one point in my life where this could have helped."
In addition to the basic program, users can also sign up for a paid account, which gives them access to features that have created privacy concerns.
For an additional $9.99, users can get the "Mouse Trap" package upgrade, which provides them with the blocked number and the caller's first and last name and address.
"I don't think you should be allowed to get someone's address from something like this," said Victoria Di Napoli, a freshman entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises major. "That's a privilege level."
"The name and address part isn't a big deal, said Daniel Thimot, a senior information systems and technology major. "All it takes is one piece of information, like the phone number, and you can figure the rest out about someone easily."
The "Bear Trap" premium upgrade, which costs $24.99, allows users to record all of their phone calls.
"I don't have a strong opinion on the caller ID," said David Molta, assistant professor in School of Information Studies. "But recording conversations is more of an issue."
TrapCall's default setting plays a message informing the caller on the other end that the message is being recorded. But users can easily deactivate this feature.
Molta said the recorded calls could become a legal liability, and one resulting in information subpoenas for lawsuits.
"There's going to be a distinction between businesses and individuals on the legality of whether that's OK," Molta said.
Christopher, the graduate student studying information management, said the program could have negative implications for students.
"This could have serious repercussions," Christopher said. "Think about what it could mean for a politician for someone to have recorded every conversation they had with them when they were 21."
gmillerj@syr.edu
The free program, called TrapCall, recently gained attention for both its innovation and possible privacy infringement.
The basic program, called the "Fly Trap" version, requires the user to register on Trapcall.com, which then provides instructions on how to reprogram their phones.
When a user receives an incoming call from an unlisted or blocked number, he or she can press the "ignore" button, transferring the call to TrapCall's servers. TrapCall then sends the blocked caller's number to the user's phone, according to its Web site. Meanwhile, the person calling from the blocked number hears the normal dial tone, and has no idea anything abnormal has occurred.
"I think this sounds good because it could stop prank calls," said Ashley Christopher, a graduate student studying information management. "There has definitely been at least one point in my life where this could have helped."
In addition to the basic program, users can also sign up for a paid account, which gives them access to features that have created privacy concerns.
For an additional $9.99, users can get the "Mouse Trap" package upgrade, which provides them with the blocked number and the caller's first and last name and address.
"I don't think you should be allowed to get someone's address from something like this," said Victoria Di Napoli, a freshman entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises major. "That's a privilege level."
"The name and address part isn't a big deal, said Daniel Thimot, a senior information systems and technology major. "All it takes is one piece of information, like the phone number, and you can figure the rest out about someone easily."
The "Bear Trap" premium upgrade, which costs $24.99, allows users to record all of their phone calls.
"I don't have a strong opinion on the caller ID," said David Molta, assistant professor in School of Information Studies. "But recording conversations is more of an issue."
TrapCall's default setting plays a message informing the caller on the other end that the message is being recorded. But users can easily deactivate this feature.
Molta said the recorded calls could become a legal liability, and one resulting in information subpoenas for lawsuits.
"There's going to be a distinction between businesses and individuals on the legality of whether that's OK," Molta said.
Christopher, the graduate student studying information management, said the program could have negative implications for students.
"This could have serious repercussions," Christopher said. "Think about what it could mean for a politician for someone to have recorded every conversation they had with them when they were 21."
gmillerj@syr.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Rick James
posted 2/25/09 @ 1:58 PM EST
One of the angles that was reported on in the outlets I read was a major one; services like TrapCall that reveal blocked numbers compromise people who require blocked numbers for their safety, such as abused spouses. (Continued…)
Robert Herron
posted 7/28/09 @ 11:47 PM EST
To unmask a " Restricted " or " Private " number
does NOT require high technology.
It is simple to do. You need to buy an extra
cell phone (pre-paid), will do nicely. (Continued…)
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