Great article--you just keep getting better and better!
On a recent episode of NPR’s “Fresh Air”, exiled whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed the precautions he takes with his own cell phone. First and foremost, Snowden revealed that he tries not to use a phone, however, he admits he owns one, and that he self-modified it.
He explains that he opened his phone up, and essentially preformed surgery by removing the microphone and by disconnecting the camera. To make calls he connects the external microphone through the headphone jack. The former CIA and NSA employee reminded the audience that while your phone is not in use apps downloaded onto your phone are still actively collecting data. Snowden supports the regulation of such collection of data, and astutely notes that even if it appears invisible now it may be harmful in years to come.
While I don’t expect most who are concerned with their privacy to self-modify their phone, I thought Snowden’s more unconventional DIY method should be integrated into the discourse of security and anonymity.