Windows Phone Thoughts: USA Today say, Embedded Cameras, No Way

"It's a tiny piece of technology capable of pulling off workplace no-nos from corporate espionage to a look up a co-worker's skirt. The new-and-improved cell phone — now equipped with a camera — is forcing employers nationwide to consider banning the device that not so long ago was a must-have for on-the-go employees. "Within the past six months, almost every employer has begun to think about the risks cell phones pose," said Vincent Alfieri, a head of the labor and employment division at Bryan Cave law firm in New York. "Employers who had never thought of it, or had to think of it, are now.""

The USA Today article makes the point that many companies have long had a ban on camera in their offices. The fact that cameras now come embedded in PDAs and phones just make them more likely to enforce the prohibition. The list of companies banning all cameras on their premises include DaimlerChrysler, Texas Instruments, General Motors, Intel and interestingly the world's largest maker of camera phones, Samsung Electronics.

The advice to employers seems odd. The article says to consider installing a camera-jamming device (i.e. an electronic means to disable a camera in a certain area). I did not know that was possible. Is it possible? :?: Meanwhile the advice to workers is simpler. Basically, you read your company's employee handbook to learn its rules on camera phones and if they are banned, you leave yours at home or in the car. Or buy a phone or PDA without photo capability. Doh! That is, if you can find a decent PPC or phone without a camera. So far two out of the four new VGA PPCs have cameras. That is not a good trend for those of us that want to be able to actually take our PPCs with us everywhere....... :| You may think that you want a PPC with an embedded camera, but what about when you change jobs, or want to visit a sports centre or school etc. Will they allow cameras on their premises? Thoughts?