Cell Phone Tracking Scrutinized Analysis

1302 Words6 Pages
How have cell phones affected the lives of American citizens? “Mobile phone Tracking Scrutinized” by Nikki Swartz is somewhat of an informational article based on the ability to track citizens through their cell phone. The author starts out by informing the reader that wireless technology companies, along with the government, can track their whereabouts through their cell phone. Apparently, the cell phones give off a signal which is received by the cell towers nearby. The author goes on to inform the reader by saying that even if the cell phone is turned off; it will still communicate with the towers about the phone’s position. The wireless company then keeps track of the information the towers receive. When the phone is…show more content…
Allen, is another informational article about how users of cell phones can be tracked anywhere, anytime. He starts out by telling us the fact that most of us know. Then the author moves on to informing the reader of lesser-known facts, such as the fact that companies can locate their users any time they are in range of a tower and their phone is on. Next, Allen goes on to describe a murder case where cell phone records were used to find the murderer. The author then informs the reader that cell companies and the government are not eager to speak of their tracking capabilities. Allen uses a quote from EFF Staff attorney Kevin Bankston saying there is worry that information about the users is being given without a court order. The article is wrapped up by stating the importance of having probable cause to obtain cell phone tracking information, and that this has probably been violated for several…show more content…
The most obvious way the author personalizes the article is by talking to the reader. I noticed right away that the author uses the word “you” four times in his first sentence. While many of my previous teachers scolded the students for using the word “you” in their papers, I believe it works well for this author. He commands my attention right from the beginning. Along with my attention, the author also grabs fear right out of me. Instead of stating the facts about tracking citizens through their cell phones, the author appears to be standing right in front of my face, warning me about the facts. This article was also easier for me to follow. I thought that the first article said companies could find you wherever you are. After the second article told me you had to be in range of a tower, I went back to the first article and noticed my assumption was wrong. It also seems that the second article is giving me more information. I learned about “pings”, which is what your phone does when it is in range of the tower. Instead of simply saying cell phone data is helpful for prosecutors like the first article did, the second article gives an example of a murder case where cell phone records were used to find the killer. Like the Swartz article, Allen also informs his readers about the worry that information about the users are being given without a court order. I see the article “Reach Out
Open Document