Edward Snowden has issued a fresh warning to all iPhone and Android users, saying smartphones offer little protection from government surveillance. His comments have alarmed many people concerned about privacy.
Snowden is best known for leaking millions of classified U.S. government documents in 2013. The files revealed that the National Security Agency was collecting data from citizens’ phones without their knowledge.
Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Snowden said modern smartphones constantly reveal information about their users. He warned that phones can be tracked even when the screen is turned off.
According to Snowden, both Apple and Android devices are vulnerable. He said governments can see where you are, what your phone is doing and potentially control the device remotely.
He added that people often believe their phones are inactive when not in use. In reality, he said, devices are always sending signals that can be monitored.
Snowden said the risks are greater today because society is now “mobile first.” He noted that people use phones for banking, communication, work and daily life.
He warned that there are few ways to fully protect yourself. Short of leaving the digital world entirely, he said, most users have little control over how much their phones can be monitored.
