Smart Phone Tracking Application Analytical Essay by Carly Evans

This paper discusses the smartphone tracking application software written by program developer Carrier IQ and placed on untold numbers of personal smartphones by mobile carriers. The paper talks about how the tracking app monitors keystrokes, and in some cases phone numbers, and sends the information back to Carrier IQ, which then allegedly offers the information to its clients. The paper also talks about how researcher Trevor Eckhart broke the story on his blog and in a YouTube video, and follows the controversy that sprang out of those events. The paper further discusses how Carrier IQ filed a cease-and-desist order against Eckhart, but then, faced with lawsuits itself, backed down, withdrew the complaint, and apologized. The paper then discusses the reactions by mobile carrier companies and smartphone manufacturers, and how they tried to minimize the damage or point the finger of blame elsewhere. Additionally, the paper looks at the legal issues that may soon be explored by Congress, and concludes that only when Congress and the Courts have explored the issues further will we know where the legal boundaries of privacy lie.

Outline:
Introduction
Controversy Surrounding the Application
Response by Carriers and Manufacturers
Legal Implications
Conclusion