Cell Phones: Protective devices

What are cell phones used for? They are used to make calls, to listen to music, to surf the internet, for instant messaging, to take photographs. However, their usage is changing. I read an article recently that the U.S government wants to use their citizen’s cell phone connections to alert them of impending terrorist attacks. This adds another element to the list of uses of the cell phone. I believe that it can now be called a device for personal “safety and protection”.

Mobile phone network companies in South Africa such as Vodacom and MTN are also trying to make cell phones “protective” devices. This is being conducted through a service called “Protect-Me” http://www.protect-me.co.za/. It is a personal safety and security service. Protect-me uses your cell phone as a mobile panic button. Once programmed your cell phone will be able to show your location using location based services (LBS) from cell phone network towers. This location is then displayed in the service control room on a computerised mapping system and the endangered person’s location details are sent via SMS to the nearest response unit who proceed to your location to secure your safety. This is invaluable protection for citizen’s living in a country such as South Africa where crime and hijacking occur.

The role of the cell phone as a “protective” device is showing us another social implication that it brings. Not only is it a communications and entertainment device, but it can now be used as a watchdog in modern society.