`Big Brother` in smartphones?

American mobile carriers have been found to use certain software built in smartphones to obtain user information such as text and email messages, phone records, visited websites, and watched videos. The software Carrier IQ is automatically run and logs almost all pieces of data input via a smartphone keypad. This is nothing less than "Big Brother" in George Orwell`s dystopian novel "1984." Carrier IQ said the software is planted on 140 million smartphones produced by handset makers such as Samsung Electronics and HTC.

U.S. mobile service providers said they have collected information in a limited manner to develop technology and improve voice quality. They deny leaking user information. Collection of private data on people without their consent is illegal. Bank account information can be leaked and the leaked data can be exploited by criminals. The analysis of the smartphone has led to the emergence of digital forensics, a new type of scientific investigation, as this helps to secure all pieces of information on suspects.

Korean handset makers claimed that they have planted the software on smartphones for exports only at the request of U.S. mobile carriers. Dong-A Ilbo reporters, however, have found that "data communication set-up," "program monitor" and "mirror" applications on Samsung Galaxy smartphones have the right to access user information such as contact and location data and recorded materials. This means personal information can be collected at any time. Users have never been informed of this. A program developer said, "This was a simple mistake made in the process of program development and no information has been collected."

American wireless carriers and handset makers have been sued. Plaintiffs filed punitive damage suits against them to demand compensation much larger than the estimated damage to benefit other victims. In Korea, smartphone users can lodge a class-action lawsuit for invasion of privacy.

With more than 20 million Koreans using smartphones, the device has become an integral part of daily life in Korea. The quasi-handheld computer can store tens of gigabytes of information. Wireless carriers and handset makers should take fundamental measures to prevent smartphones from being used as a means to monitor users or to hack information. The government should also seek to prevent mobile applications from being exploited as a means to undermine the right to free communications and violate privacy.