In this article, we’ll talk about privacy laws, along with the best legal methods to track someone’s phone. Although people do this not to harm, all of this has been included within the laws. Now, is it illegal to track someone’s phone?
Smartphone Privacy Laws
There are two privacy laws that we’re going to explain to answer your question, ‘is it illegal to track someone without their knowledge?’ Let us talk about the first one.
1984 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
The first one is the 1984 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibits computer usage without the proper authorization or using a computer with authorization for doing other unauthorized purposes with the intent to defraud. The same thing still happens to this day, when people can easily get into someone’s phone with any ill intent.
Is tracking also included as an illegal activity? Based on the laws, it’s usually about the context. If you’re spying on somebody, especially the underages, you’re a criminal. Meanwhile, the parents who track their kids’ phones won’t receive the same treatment because they mainly use the technology for their kid’s safety.
Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986
Is it illegal to go through someone’s phone without permission? You can see it within the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986. The act prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and advertisement of the device that could intercept communications. It applies not only to the telephone but also to emails and chats.
Without their consent, you can be in serious trouble for taking someone’s phone without consent. So, if you want to do this kind of activity, make sure that the user is notified about it.
Legal Ways to Track Someone’s Phone
You can do the legal ways of tracking someone’s phone, as long as you do it with a good intention, as described by the phone privacy laws.
Localize.mobi
The next option we have here is localize.mobi. It’s also a good app to be used for tracking. It basically can see where the person is with just simple steps. The setting process is really quick; you don’t have to spend minutes on it.
Localize.mobi works by identifying the number you put and directly sending you the latest location of that number. So, you just need the phone number in order for it to work properly. With it, you can see the exact location based on the number only. It has global coverage, and all phones can be identified with this app.
Scannero.io
Are tracking devices illegal? In most cases, yes, but it depends on the consent and the functionality. The first method to track someone legally is by using the Scannero.io app. There’s:
- a GPS-tracking feature to know the kid’s whereabouts
- Geofencing to notify the parents if the kids are leaving the selected areas.
Scannero.io will always work beautifully and can give you many benefits, as long as the target phone’s user is notified.
The good thing about Scannero.io is it mostly works in the background. It’s not that performance demanding to the level that it won’t decrease your battery significantly.
Can Someone Track My Phone without My Permission?
Unfortunately, yes. Hackers do this all the time for their fortune. By penetrating someone’s phone with their virus, they can get the stolen data and any other possible personal information to be sold on the black market.
But, you can always detect it by seeing how your phone works. When infected, your phone may show several symptoms such as quicker battery drain, hotter temperature than usual, unusual screen activity, and possible recordings or screenshots taken without your consent.
Conclusion
Phone tracking can be illegal and legal based on the purposes and what kind of tool you are using. Also, now you know the answer to the question ‘Can someone track my phone without my permission?’. Be sure to always have the consent first before doing any of the tracking activities. For the parents, tell kids how you want to protect them by using a proper tool.
