How Long Does Your Wireless Provider Store Your Data And Why?

A memo was leaked from the Department Of Justice titled: Retention Period Of Major Cellular Service Providers. This provides information on how long wireless carriers store sensitive customer data. The document was marked “Law Enforcement Use Only” and dated August 2010. This information was reported by Wired.com based on a copy of the document as well as additional information provided to them. One of the reasons for the document is to provide law enforcement with information in case they need to search mobile phone records linked with a crime. This document shows how far back they would be able to search, depending on the particular wireless provider. The document was made public by the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina. Attorney Catherine Crump said: “People who are upset that Facebook is storing all their information should be really concerned that their cell phone is tracking them everywhere they’ve been.” The chart at the bottom of this article shows the various carriers and how long they store the information. For example, Verizon stores text message and call details for one year. T-Mobile stores the same records for 2 to 5 years, depending on whether you have a prepaid plan or a contract. Some of the information that’s stored details a phone’s travel history by looking at the connections to different cell phone towers. This would show where and when the individual traveled and their locations. The timing of this document is interesting. In approximately two months, the Supreme Court will hear an argument from the U.S. government to allow the use of GPS devices to monitor suspect’s activity without obtaining a warrant. It is also the 25-year anniversary of the Electronic Privacy Communications Act and there is some proposed legislation to make changes to it. Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy has made a proposal which would require the government to obtain a probable cause warrant in order to access this and other electronic data. As the face of electronics and technology rapidly changes, what are your thoughts? What rights should the government and law enforcement have to obtain our mobile records for surveillance or other reasons?

Click to enlarge the chart below: