How Private is Text Messaging?

We're constantly reminded to not use the office computer to send personal emails due to the lack of privacy and perhaps the same caution should be used with office cell phones and pagers.

Detroit's Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his chief of staff Christine Beatty were caught in an affair by their text messaging. The Detroit Free Press examined over 14,000 text messages from Beatty's office pager and published those that confirmed that the two were having an affair. David Chamberlain, a wireless analyst for In-Stat, reminds everyone that using office technology for personal use is lacking the privacy that they receive from using their own computers and cell phones. It is pretty obvious that Detroit's mayor and his assistant were using city-issued pagers to exchange messages about their affair.

According to a report by the Associated Press, Beatty's text messaging service was provided by SkyTel who has contracts exclusively with corporations and government agencies, and not surprisingly, stores all communication for legal reasons.

As for the rest of the public, AT&T says they keep their text messages for up to 72 hours, Sprint PCS for two weeks, and Verizon says texts don't stay on the network for a long period of time. However, there are many cases in which the police turn to text messaging to expose criminals, cheaters and stalkers.

There are inexpensive ways to intercept text messages out there using a radio kit, and the worst part is anyone can figure out how to create one by searching online.

If you are worried about your text messaging privacy you should take precautions to protect yourself. It's a good idea to never text personal pin numbers or bank account numbers. And don't forget to clear out all personal information before selling or donating your phone.