The mobile application software specialists yesterday announced the launch of its new system, which establishes wireless privacy zones to prevent the use of camera phones in areas such as workplaces, government buildings and public areas where privacy or security could be compromised by the ability to take and send photographic images or video.
The system works by sending a signal announcing the presence of a wireless privacy zone. On receiving this signal the camera phone will automatically disable its imaging system. Voice, text and all other functions will still work, even within the privacy zone.
Once out of the zone the imaging systems will be re-enabled.
By controlling the availability of the signal within a restricted area, says Iceberg Systems, wireless privacy zones can be implemented without interfering with legitimate uses of the devices.
The system is now being beta tested with a range of mobile devices and the company says it is holding talks with leading handset manufacturers. The snag is that it needs their cooperation to function – so only future handsets will be compatible with the system.