Letter to All Bodies of Elders, 1992-04-16: Cordless microphones should not be used in confidential meetings
PHONE (718) 625-3600
April 16, 1992
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Dear Brothers:
As you may have noted in the December 8,1991, Awake!, page 31, under the title "Is Eavesdropping Here to Stay?," it is not illegal for people to monitor cordless-telephone conversations. In fact, it has become the hobby of some to pick up signals from a variety of wireless communication devices. This would include wireless microphones used in Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls. Since some persons are equipped to listen in from as far as 60 miles away, we feel there is a need for caution.
Normally, what is presented at our meetings and assemblies is not confidential. We want the public to attend. However, on occasion, meetings are held that are of a confidential nature. For instance, not long ago the Society sponsored a school for elders and ministerial servants. These meetings were confidential and intended only for those appointed as elders or ministerial servants. For such occasions cordless microphones should not be used.
The Society realizes that sometimes brothers will need to discuss something of a confidential nature between themselves over the telephone. As the Awake! magazine pointed out: "When your conversations are of a confidential nature, do not use wireless devices such as cordless telephones."
While there does not appear to be cause for great alarm, we feel it would be good to advise caution in the use of such wireless equipment when anything presented is of a confidential nature. Thank you for your continued assistance and shepherding of the congregation. We pray Jehovah's blessing on your efforts.
Your brothers,
Watchtower B.V. Society