aeromarine
NES Member
I didn't want to hijack the "We Should Be Making Plans" thread so I started this one to inquire about how private radio communications really are. Yes, I know, using a radio requires a person always to use his/her call sign, to transmit only on authorized frequencies, and not use codes or encryption, etc. So, I guess I'm not really talking about privacy but, perhaps, maybe something more like anonymity (call sign requirement aside) or freedom from having anyone know your precise geographic location. I ask this because we all know cell phones have become a great way to track, listen in and monitor the population. Way back in the beginning when the first cell phones were being developed it would seem someone, like NSA, must have told the FCC to require manufacturers to all bundle in GPS tracking and the ability to listen in on the devices even when they were physically turned off. After learning about this, some people would remove the batteries from their phones to thwart that ability. So, some agency with the FCC's blessings then decided that wasn't good and required the manufacturers of cell phones and computers to install either a primary or secondary battery that cannot be removed so the device can always be accessed, tracked and monitored.
So, my questions is about about the equipment we all commonly use as amateur radio operators whether it be UHF/VHF HTs or the more substantial and powerful home rigs including HF transmitters. I believe some analog and digital units now offer the "convenience" of having the ability to transmit a unique code identifier or a programmed call sign plus precise GPS generated geographic coordinates. Now that may be a very nice option to have if you are stuck out at sea or lost in the wilderness expanse. But is it truly optional? Is there any evidence or knowledge that currently in use or soon to be released hardware will do that covertly or clandestinely without the operators willing consent or awareness.
Yes, there is a lot of tin foil stuff going right now given the unprecedented government attacks on free speech and corporate-initiated censorship we have witnessed over the past few days. It seems reasonable to assume everything we write, say or post electronically is being stored and, maybe, someday, key-word search for evidence of "racism, insurrection, treason or other evil or other "wrong thought". Could ham radio offer us any protection from that should the need arise? Please tell me if you know.
So, my questions is about about the equipment we all commonly use as amateur radio operators whether it be UHF/VHF HTs or the more substantial and powerful home rigs including HF transmitters. I believe some analog and digital units now offer the "convenience" of having the ability to transmit a unique code identifier or a programmed call sign plus precise GPS generated geographic coordinates. Now that may be a very nice option to have if you are stuck out at sea or lost in the wilderness expanse. But is it truly optional? Is there any evidence or knowledge that currently in use or soon to be released hardware will do that covertly or clandestinely without the operators willing consent or awareness.
Yes, there is a lot of tin foil stuff going right now given the unprecedented government attacks on free speech and corporate-initiated censorship we have witnessed over the past few days. It seems reasonable to assume everything we write, say or post electronically is being stored and, maybe, someday, key-word search for evidence of "racism, insurrection, treason or other evil or other "wrong thought". Could ham radio offer us any protection from that should the need arise? Please tell me if you know.