Cell phones have been increasingly effective in developing other forms of media over its traditional usage of communication. The "Cam Phones" started its reign in 2002, guaranteeing an under $100 phone with a built in 1-2 Mega-pixel camera. The little built in device is hardly noticeable at a glance, appearing as a normal cell phone with no additional devices. Cam phones are becoming increasingly more popular than the traditional phone - "7 million of 72 million cell phones shipped in the U.S. have cameras; by 2007, 51 million out of over 110 million will have them", research firm IDC predicts. Some cam phones even allow users to take photos while it appears that they are making a phone call. In just seconds, these snapshots can be e-mailed directly to others or even be posted on an automated mobile blogging websites such as Buzznet.com, Fotolog.net, and Textamerica.com for the whole world to view. .
Cam phones bring up a very current topic which poses many issues in privacy. It can be extremely productive and efficient if used humanely. The cam phone has many benefits including crime-fighting, reporting, and personal needs. In fact, last summer one user's snapshot led to the arrest of a suspected pedophile. And founder of Textamerica.com Chris Hoar says some users snapshots included ones of the California wildfire in October, which contributed to the investigation. .
It is hard to publicise a technology that has so many benefits, yet so many problems. Some of the problems Cam phones can cause are mainly privacy problems in areas such as change rooms, banks, and hospitals. Another major issue Cam phones bring up is digital shoplifting - where a shopper takes shots of books and magazines without even paying for them, having their book stored electronically. Without a quick solution to this ever growing problem, this new technology would likely be forbidden for any means of usage.
Government officials have made rules in cam phone usage and banning in several cities in the US.
