In late August, Apple was granted a controversial patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for technology that will allow for one or more functional or operational aspects of a wireless device to be altered or changed remotely. These policies would be activated by a network owner using GPS or Wi-Fi and would blanket a certain predetermined building or area.
If implemented, this technology could prevent cell phones from being distracting or disruptive in meetings, movie theaters, religious ceremonies and academic settings by remotely putting phones on silent or even turning them off. Apple’s proposed technology could also ensure that necessary government or law enforcement operations remain covert by disabling a phone’s photo and video capabilities, as well as potentially hinder communication efforts in criminal activities.
However, if this technology is made available, it could also potentially restrict civil and human rights by preventing journalists from taking photos and stopping citizens from recording acts of government violence and police brutality. The broadcast of photos and videos from political protest rallies could also be prevented, allowing oppressive regimes to restrict the right of free expression.
