German police resort to 'silent SMS' to track miscreants

Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz, a unit that is the German equivalent of the U.S’ FBI has devised a unique method of tracking down suspects, right down to their location at that time, reports Tom’s Guide. The concept behind the method, called ‘Silent SMS’ was introduced at a 28th Chaos Communication Congress in Berlin, Germany. At this presentation, it was revealed that the officials of the German police had, during the course of their investigation, sent as many as 440,783 such SMS. 

Silent SMS to track movements (Image credit: Getty images)

So, what’s so unique about this method, you may ask! For one, the receiver of the message is not notified about it, however, the cell phone will still receive it. Silently, the cell phone carrier will maintain a data log of these SMSes. This data log gives the officials a fair idea of the movement of their suspect, based on which they can plan. The data thus stored can then used by the government to tackle such miscreants. Reportedly, German custom officials have already taken a liking to this method, and are using it to its full benefit. In the first half of 2011 alone, they sent such SMS to as many as 227,587 numbers.

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The method does seem credible enough. Do you think India could take a leaf out of the German book?