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Mobile phone jammer

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Example of a mobile phone jammer, produced by Jammerspro.

A mobile phone jammer or blocker is a device that deliberately transmits signals on the same radio frequencies as mobile phones, disrupting the communication between the phone and the cell-phone base station. This interference effectively disables mobile phones within the range of the jammer, preventing them from receiving or transmitting signals.[1] Jammers can be utilized in a variety of locations, but they are primarily found in places where a phone call would be particularly disruptive because silence is expected, such as theaters, concert halls, libraries, and places of worship. They are also used in settings where maintaining confidentiality is critical, such as in examination rooms, meeting rooms for sensitive discussions, and certain government facilities.

The use of jammers is a double-edged sword; while they can help maintain decorum and confidentiality, they also disrupt the operations of legitimate mobile phone services. This is why the use of such blocking devices is illegal in many jurisdictions without proper authorization. Unauthorized jamming can interfere with essential communication services, including access to emergency services, which can pose significant risks to public safety. For example, in an emergency, the inability to use a mobile phone to call for help could have dire consequences.

In jurisdictions where jammers are allowed, their use is typically heavily regulated and restricted to certain authorities or specific circumstances. In some cases, temporary jamming may be authorized for specific events or locations, but this requires a special license and adherence to strict guidelines to minimize unintended disruptions.

Despite these regulations, the demand for jammers persists, driven by the increasing prevalence of mobile phones and the sometimes intrusive nature of their use. As technology evolves, so too do jamming devices, becoming more sophisticated in their ability to selectively block signals while minimizing collateral interference. This ongoing technological arms race reflects the broader challenges and debates surrounding privacy, security, and the use of communication technologies in modern society.

Legality

The legality of jamming devices varies across different countries. In some jurisdictions, the possession, operation, or supply of jamming devices is explicitly prohibited, while in others, there may be exceptions for specific purposes.

  • Australia: Illegal to operate, supply or possess[2] unless the user has a PMTS C telecommunications licence under the Radiocommunications (Interpretation) Determination 2000.[3]
  • Brazil: Illegal, but installation in prisons has been proposed.[4]
  • European Union: Illegal, according to the European Commission's "Interpretation of the Directive 1999/5/EC".[7]
  • France: Legal until 2012 in cinemas, concert halls and performance venues, but illegal since 2012.[8]
  • India: Illegal except for use by security and military agencies, and use in prisons, theatres, mosques, and schools with prior permit and jamming limited to the perimeter with zero leakage.[9][10]
  • Italy: Illegal both to own[11] and use,[12] according to the Penal Code offenders are liable to be punished with imprisonment for up to eight years. Can be used in exceptional cases by Italian law enforcement agencies, such as Polizia Di Stato and Carabinieri.
  • Malaysia: Illegal to use. Offenders jamming the cellular network frequency in their premises can be fined a maximum of RM500,000 or jailed a maximum of five years, or both.[13]
  • Pakistan: Illegal to use without permission. Individuals or organisations must obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) before installation of such devices.[16]
  • Singapore: Illegal to manufacture, import, use or sell radio jamming equipment other than by or for supply to a permitted person.[17]
  • South Africa: Illegal, except for national security agencies. No other organisation is allowed to jam cellular signals, and any device which is used to jam signals is illegal.[18]
  • Sweden: Illegal except inside prisons and for military use.[19]
  • United Kingdom: Illegal to use, but legal to own. Having been proposed by prison inspectors,[21] installation and use in prisons has been legal since the end of 2012.[22]
  • United States: Mobile phone blocking devices are used by federal officials under certain circumstances. For radio communications, it is illegal to operate, manufacture, import, or offer for sale (including advertising) (Communications Act of 1934).[23] Blocking radio communications in public can carry fines of up to $112,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.[24] The Homeland Security Act of 2002 may override the Communications Act of 1934.[25]
  • Japan: Illegal except for use by authorized government agencies.[25]

See also

References

  1. ^ Admin (2024-02-17). "Notifications and Alerts?". JammerX. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  2. ^ Grubb, Ben (17 July 2013). "Illegal mobile phone and GPS jammer crackdown by regulator yields results". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  3. ^ "NRadiocommunications (Prohibition of PMTS Jamming Devices) Declaration 2011". legislation.gov.au. Retrieved 28 February 2017.
  4. ^ Rogerio Waldrigues Galindo. "Bloqueador de celular licitado pela Assembleia é de uso ilegal". Gazeta do Povo. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  5. ^ "Jamming Devices are Prohibited in Canada: That's the Law". Industry Canada, National Capital Region, Office of the Deputy Minister, Spectrum, Information Technologies, and Telecommunications. www.ic.gc.ca. Government of Canada. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  6. ^ "Radiocommunication Act of Canada". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 16 October 2016.
  7. ^ "Interpretation of the Directive 1999/5/EC". ec.europa.eu. European Commission, Enterprise and Industry. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  8. ^ "Les brouilleurs : la législation en vigueur" [Jammer legislation in France - ANF R]. www.anfr.fr (in French). Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  9. ^ "Advisory on the proper use of wireless jammer and booster/repeater | Department of Telecommunications | Ministry of Communication | Government of India". dot.gov.in. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
  10. ^ "Jammer Policy : Others". cabsec.gov.in. Archived from the original on 2023-12-28. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
  11. ^ "Articolo 617 bis Codice penale (R.D. 19 ottobre 1930, n. 1398) — Installazione di apparecchiature atte ad intercettare od impedire comunicazioni o conversazioni telegrafiche o telefoniche" [Italian Penal Code, art. 617 bis]. brocardi.it (in Italian). Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  12. ^ "Articolo 617 bis Codice penale (R.D. 19 ottobre 1930, n. 1398)" [Italian Penal Code, art. 617]. brocardi.it (in Italian). Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  13. ^ Eddie Chua (6 June 2002). "Jeepers Jammers! Illegal to use immobilisers to block handphone calls". Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
  14. ^ "Spectrum policy". rsm.govt.nz. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  15. ^ "Mobiles jammed in prisons". One News. 21 August 2007. Retrieved 25 October 2011.
  16. ^ "Illegal mobile jammers to be removed". www.pta.gov.pk (Press release). Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  17. ^ "Spectrum policy". rsm.govt.nz. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  18. ^ "This is who may jam cellular signals in South Africa". mybroadband.co.za. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  19. ^ "Förbud mot störsändare". pts.se. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  20. ^ "Мобилки на тестах заставят замолчать". jammer.su (in Russian). Moscow, RU. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  21. ^ "Jam mobile phone signals in prisons, says inspector". bbc.co.uk. BBC News. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  22. ^ "Prisons (Interference with Wireless Telegraphy) Act 2012". parliament.uk. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  23. ^ Communications Act of 1934 (PDF). fcc.gov (Report). Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved 8 March 2015.
  24. ^ "Blocking & jamming FAQ" (PDF). Wireless & Cellular Services. Federal Communications Commission. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 November 2016.
  25. ^ a b Lawrence, Repeta (23 May 2002). "The National Security Archive".
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