Mobil Taping?

Question

Is this true our mobils act as a tape machine and 'Goverment' can listen in if they so choose even if your phone is off it can tape the conversations going on around it

Answer 1

When you talk on a mobile phone, the conversation is sent part of the way through radio waves. Radio waves are pretty easy to intercept, so someone with a wiretapping warrant could possibly listen in, if they had the kind of electronic equipment you need to do that.

However, unless you're involved in some pretty heavy criminal activity, it's not likely that anyone cares what you're saying on your mobile phone.

Answer 2

No this is completely false. When your phone is switched off it has no communication with the phone network whatsoever, therefore cannot transmit or receive any information. A previous answer suggested that using electronic equipment you can capture the information out of the airwaves, which this was true back in the 1980's when mobile phones used an analogue system (think the Princess Diana conversations that were recorded), since about 1992 when GSM or digital phone services have been available everything is encrypted and can only be decrypted by the network operator. You are safer talking on your mobile phone than talking to a friend in public.

Answer 3

I have heard it said that the powers that be, can 'hear' what's being said even when the phone is switched off but with the battery in place. However, I would love someone to come along and tell me if this is true, with evidence to back it up as I just can't see that. But, I am willing to stand corrected!
I can see they can pinpoint someone when their phone is on but not being used, that's straightforward enough tracking, but as for when its switched off....