Mobile Applications Used for Human Rights

Abstract

A mobile application is a computer program or application developed to run on a small handheld mobile device such as mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs, and so on. Such devices are sold with several apps bundled as pre-installed software, such as a web browser, email client, calendar, mapping program, and an app for buying music or other media or more apps. Apps that are not preinstalled are usually available through distribution platforms called app stores such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, Windows Phone Store, and BlackBerry App World, etc. Usage of mobile apps has become increasingly prevalent across mobile phone users in the world. A recent study reported that during the previous quarter, more mobile subscribers used apps than browsed the web on their devices. Thus, a mobile application can aid in the prosecution of human rights violations, atrocities, human trafficking, and child laboring. In this chapter, authors provide a comprehensive study, design patterns, usage of several mobile applications designed for protecting human rights.