$25 Million Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Apple in South Korea Over Location Data Collection

[doctor-don]

Im not, all phones had a grip of death, Steve himself said so.


According to? Second, collecting != storing. Third, didnt this pop up as late as iOS4?


A significant difference, really.



But it did. First, it got synced to whatever device you used to sync with. Second, unless Apple (once again) used magic, they managed to crowd-source a database of location points.

Last, but not least: I dont care if they did not send it. If its there they can send it. If its not, they cant. For similar reasons i do not wish for the state to know everything about me (even if they are not looking), or for them to have technology that can keep track of every single thing i do (even if they are not looking).

Yes, for some purposes location awareness (and tracking) is a necessary evil, where the pro's outweigh the con's. Storing thousands of points in a database does not qualify for me however. I value my privacy higher than that. (Especially as these companies provide the government with any data they ask for in the end).

Simply put, this data collection was not made with my interest in mind, but rather the interest of Apple. Whereas i never expect them to put the customer over profits, i do expect them to be open with what they are doing - had they been, we wouldnt have had a location gate to begin with.

Paranoia - glad it's not contagious among the rest of the educated readers here.

 

[Casiotone]

Im not, all phones had a grip of death, Steve himself said so.


According to? Second, collecting != storing. Third, didnt this pop up as late as iOS4?


A significant difference, really.



But it did. First, it got synced to whatever device you used to sync with. Second, unless Apple (once again) used magic, they managed to crowd-source a database of location points.

Last, but not least: I dont care if they did not send it. If its there they can send it. If its not, they cant. For similar reasons i do not wish for the state to know everything about me (even if they are not looking), or for them to have technology that can keep track of every single thing i do (even if they are not looking).

Yes, for some purposes location awareness (and tracking) is a necessary evil, where the pro's outweigh the con's. Storing thousands of points in a database does not qualify for me however. I value my privacy higher than that. (Especially as these companies provide the government with any data they ask for in the end).

Simply put, this data collection was not made with my interest in mind, but rather the interest of Apple. Whereas i never expect them to put the customer over profits, i do expect them to be open with what they are doing - had they been, we wouldnt have had a location gate to begin with.

Are you aware that all cellphone companies know your location all the time while your cell phone is turned on and that you have absolutely no control over what they're doing with this information?

 

[Kavok]

There was a time I would have defended Apple over these type of lawsuits, but given Apple themselves have recently decided to litigate instead of innovate... good luck to the Koreans!

2011 is going to be the year of the lawsuits.

You obviously don't understand WHY Apple is litigating: to PROTECT their innovations. Case in point: How many touch smartphones were there before Apple released the original iPhone in 2007? How many have there been since then? What about touch-based tablets? Who is innovating and who is riding the coat tails of Apple's R&D? Hmmmmm......

 

[SockRolid]

OK everyone. Hold your hand up if you want a free iPad!

Last month, we noted that Apple had been ordered by a South Korean court to pay out one million won (approximately $946 at the time) to an iPhone user in a case regarding the company's collection of location data. At the time, it was reported that the plaintiff's lawyers were working to file a class-action lawsuit to cover additional users claiming to have been harmed by the collection. [...]

Let's see now. Raise you hand if you want Apple to pay for the iPad you bought.

Yup, thought so. I'd go for it too.

 

[JAT]

What is an honest opinion? Does give it some credence and right to be voiced without challenge?

It ought to be. But the USA’s “politically correct” morons have taken this kind of garbage way too far. They are so sensitive in regards to discussion of the appearance of something, whether skin color or attitudes, that they’re taking away the ability to speak freely. Irony.

People like that don't like me, because I say what I want. Maybe I'm autistic.

 

[Dusky600]

That might have been me. See I'm just as bad. I assumed it too.

we all assume everyone else on the internet is american for some reason

 

[brutedawg]

It took me an incredibly longer time than necessary to learn what South Korean currency is called..

 

[Dusky600]

That is an interesting take, but you are grossly underestimating the xenophobia that can be manifested in Korean business, and not simply the racial sense. I have lived in Seoul for a decade, speak Korean, read the papers and watch the news here. Safe to say, my finger is on the pulse.
This suit is likely the result of the extensive media attention given to this particular lawyer amidst what is literally a storm of anti-Apple sentiment in Korea at the moment as a result of the 10.1 injunction in Europe.
Sure, the iPhone (which was only released here in 11/09 after nearly two years of a TEXTBOOK non-tariff barrier) has opened Koreans' eyes en masse to Apple products and many are buying. Nonetheless, Samsung is a core, if not the core, component in what is essentially a corporatist state, or Korea Inc. as it's often called.
When Samsung (and tortoise-like LG) get in a fight with a foreign competitor, be it from The Netherlands to Nigeria, you can count on a communal reaction
here whipped up by and in support of the local brand, as corporations like Samsung literally own huge swathes of the media. Moreover, Samsung vs. Apple is literally on the national TV news on a regular basis these days! Hence, this suit and the mudslinging it enables in the local media serve to dissuade locals from buying foreign products. See Korea's tariff rates across other industries as well. Export, but do not import has been the game for decades.
Now, come on. The country which institutes an online real-name system and has 35 million of its "netizens" (in a nation of 50 million) get their personal info. stolen by presumably Chinese hackers due to piss-poor online security (Active X addiction) has citizens frenziedly suing Apple for THIS, and getting this much attention in the process?!? Bogus.
I am no patent lawyer, but common sense dictates the Galaxy Tab/phone is a blatant ripoff of the iPad/phone. Defending such practices by labeling critics of them "racist" in the interest of "free competition" will leave innovative companies penniless while the word economy moves eastward, where intellectual property is a shifty and relative concept at best.

Dude... awesome !

 

[aohus]

Korean here, lived in Korea for about a year when the iPhone was still unavailable in Korea (back in '07)

Koreans LOVE iDevices.

Koreans are vain as heck, and will buy the prettiest shiny object they see. Naturally, the iPhone was immensely popular, even when it wasn't even available publicly back in '07.

Koreans are also extremely proud of their heritage.

I guarantee it this is the Samsung corporatists that are pushing anti-Apple news in Korea.

When it comes down to it, Koreans will always choose Korean brand over foreign brand.

Just a side note, Korea JUST started to allow Toyota sell its Camry's in S. Korea a couple years back. This demonstrates how much protectionism exists in Korea. And I can see why.

 

[iEvolution]

You know I'd think this was stupid, however given Apples joy of frivolous lawsuits lately, I hope Korea wins.

 

[mefck]

Will this class action be successful? Who knows. As an attorney, I don't feel comfortable commenting on Korean law and neither should the arm chair attorneys.

If there are some international or Korean attorneys out there, I am all ears.

 

[Naimfan]

Will this class action be successful? Who knows. As an attorney, I don't feel comfortable commenting on Korean law and neither should the arm chair attorneys.

If there are some international or Korean attorneys out there, I am all ears.

Same.

Although it IS amusing to see people pontificate . . .

 

[winston1236]

everybody wants a piece of apples cash

 

[Mattie Num Nums]

When it comes down to it, Koreans will always choose Korean brand over foreign brand.
.

As a Korean I can tell you this is far from true. Maybe with consumer electronics and cars but clothing and things like that Koreans LOVE American style (and music!) Just because you've lived in Korea a year doesn't make you an expert on Korean culture.

 

[aohus]

As a Korean I can tell you this is far from true. Maybe with consumer electronics and cars but clothing and things like that Koreans LOVE American style (and music!) Just because you've lived in Korea a year doesn't make you an expert on Korean culture.

never said i was an expert in Korean culture.

yes, they buy American goods, but at times they can be knockoffs. Additionally, American apparel is much more expensive over there than in the U.S.

when it comes down to it, Korean government will supporting Samsung in any of its business pursuits. Thats a fact. They don't call it a chaebol for nothing.

 

[gnasher729]

Apple will have to pay this due to the test case being won.

And if they do, they'll just pay up. Then they'll quietly put up the prices of all their products and services in South Korea to cover this loss and some.

If all those people and their lawyers think that they'll be getting some money for nothing, then they need to think again. Apple will get it all back from them in the end.

It doesn't work like that. First case was about less than $1000. Not even worth to send a lawyer there. Second case is for $25 million. That means Apple will actually be defending this. Like by explaining to a judge what was actually happening.

 

[divinox]

Paranoia - glad it's not contagious among the rest of the educated readers here.

Its not paranoia, look at the way the world is developing. Heck, most of you guys are American - you of all people should know.

----------

Are you aware that all cellphone companies know your location all the time while your cell phone is turned on and that you have absolutely no control over what they're doing with this information?

First: Yes, and it has been used by states to keep tabs on people. Do i like it? No. Unfortunately, the state do, and as long as they do - and we dont do anything about it - nothing will change.

Second: Actually, if i remember my reading correctly your phone doesnt even have to be turned on. Cant be bothered to dig up any sources, but the following link speaks for itself (although, not speaking directly about "location").

http://news.cnet.com/2100-1029_3-6140191.html

Regardless i fail to see how multiple wrongs make even a single right.

 

[krburrell]

I don't think they'll win!!

 

[Kobewan]

Well
I have been to Seoul for a week with a friend of mine
During that week we found a dozen of places ( bars, clubs, etc) with the sign outside " FOR KOREAN ONLY"
we tried to get in and of course we were not allowed
Now I ve been traveling all over the world, and Korea is the only country that I visited, that allows such a shameful and racist behavior.
I mean, my friend and I were shocked to see such a behavior.
I have Korean friends, and I ve had a Korean girlfriend for fewvyears, and I can say that generally, Koreans are racist.
Needless to say I stop buying any Korean brand, and surely hope apple kicks samsung a$$ with the lawsuit.

That is an interesting take, but you are grossly underestimating the xenophobia that can be manifested in Korean business, and not simply the racial sense. I have lived in Seoul for a decade, speak Korean, read the papers and watch the news here. Safe to say, my finger is on the pulse.
This suit is likely the result of the extensive media attention given to this particular lawyer amidst what is literally a storm of anti-Apple sentiment in Korea at the moment as a result of the 10.1 injunction in Europe.
Sure, the iPhone (which was only released here in 11/09 after nearly two years of a TEXTBOOK non-tariff barrier) has opened Koreans' eyes en masse to Apple products and many are buying. Nonetheless, Samsung is a core, if not the core, component in what is essentially a corporatist state, or Korea Inc. as it's often called.
When Samsung (and tortoise-like LG) get in a fight with a foreign competitor, be it from The Netherlands to Nigeria, you can count on a communal reaction
here whipped up by and in support of the local brand, as corporations like Samsung literally own huge swathes of the media. Moreover, Samsung vs. Apple is literally on the national TV news on a regular basis these days! Hence, this suit and the mudslinging it enables in the local media serve to dissuade locals from buying foreign products. See Korea's tariff rates across other industries as well. Export, but do not import has been the game for decades.
Now, come on. The country which institutes an online real-name system and has 35 million of its "netizens" (in a nation of 50 million) get their personal info. stolen by presumably Chinese hackers due to piss-poor online security (Active X addiction) has citizens frenziedly suing Apple for THIS, and getting this much attention in the process?!? Bogus.
I am no patent lawyer, but common sense dictates the Galaxy Tab/phone is a blatant ripoff of the iPad/phone. Defending such practices by labeling critics of them "racist" in the interest of "free competition" will leave innovative companies penniless while the word economy moves eastward, where intellectual property is a shifty and relative concept at best.

 

[aohus]

Well
I have been to Seoul for a week with a friend of mine
During that week we found a dozen of places ( bars, clubs, etc) with the sign outside " FOR KOREAN ONLY"
we tried to get in and of course we were not allowed
Now I ve been traveling all over the world, and Korea is the only country that I visited, that allows such a shameful and racist behavior.
I mean, my friend and I were shocked to see such a behavior.
I have Korean friends, and I ve had a Korean girlfriend for fewvyears, and I can say that generally, Koreans are racist.
Needless to say I stop buying any Korean brand, and surely hope apple kicks samsung a$$ with the lawsuit.

you have korean friends and didn't know koreans are racist? unfathomable!

most likely you were near a military base, Itaewon most likely? anyhow, some businesses in that area do not take kindly to American G.I's for their own reasons.

 

[nylonsteel]

re original article

1 million won sounds like alot - but read the fine print

 

[divinox]

You obviously don't understand WHY Apple is litigating: to PROTECT their innovations. Case in point: How many touch smartphones were there before Apple released the original iPhone in 2007? How many have there been since then? What about touch-based tablets? Who is innovating and who is riding the coat tails of Apple's R&D? Hmmmmm......

I read posts on a daily basis on this forum that tells a different story. Since there is no need to reiterate everything once more ill just leave you with this.

Presenting the JooJoo:

Presenting, the one and only, Bill Gates:

Personally though, i like to give credit Weiser (even if he, too, stood on the shoulder of giants):

Nice reading: http://www.media.mit.edu/resenv/classes/MAS961/readings/weiser_reprint.pdf

P.S.

To cut the crap postings showing ruggedized Win Tables:

I present to you, Electrovaya:

Yes, that is XP.

Vista.

As for release dates, its quite tricky. The first device is possibly the SC 1240.

http://www.shopping.com/Electrovaya...B-HARD-DRIVE-BLACK-ELECTROVAYA-Item/info?sb=1

CNET has a review posted 2003 for said device:

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/electrovaya-scribbler-tablet-pc/1707-3121_7-30577411.html

Now, i want a f'in cracker. And samsung should give me one of them fancy pads. Prior art, predating community design - check.

 

[moosejhaaduwala]

$25 Million Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Apple in South Korea Over Location Dat

No company in history has ever survived after invoking the wrath of the public. Apple is treading a very fine line between survival and disaster. It would be a shame for them to shut down because they do pioneer new research and development. I would much rather see them innovate and encourage technological development, not to mention respect the customers. It is common knowledge that certain Android phones are ahead of the curve over the iPhone in technology. Android also lead the way in sales. After the Motorola patent purchase by Google, it is a matter of time before Apple either adapts or folds. I, for one, would not like to see the latter.

 

[Glideslope]

Time for reunification. Way to much time on their hands, these Koreans.

Get out of Korea Tim. For they are Evil. Send more love to Japan.

----------

No company in history has ever survived after invoking the wrath of the public. Apple is treading a very fine line between survival and disaster. It would be a shame for them to shut down because they do pioneer new research and development. I would much rather see them innovate and encourage technological development, not to mention respect the customers. It is common knowledge that certain Android phones are ahead of the curve over the iPhone in technology. Android also lead the way in sales. After the Motorola patent purchase by Google, it is a matter of time before Apple either adapts or folds. I, for one, would not like to see the latter.

....and then he awakes from his dream.

 

[divinox]

Ill post some more pictures, for future reference:

http://gigaom.com/mobile/new_sahara_slat/

TabletKiosk, Sahara i215 - 2005.

No idea, but it sure as hell is not an ipad - 2005

(it was Sahara i213. For those interested the man is Frank G - whoever that is)

Sahara i213 - 2005

At least the computer is a mac (2005?)

Tatung TTAB-A12D (2005)

(Not only did they steal Apples patented homescreen square, they also stole the color white - and obviously used the time machine without Apples written consent)

Apparantly, Electrovaya also made that very same device (?!)

Electrovaya SC3000 (2005).

The nerve of some people, they even stole the bumper! Grr..
(Sahara i213 - 2005)

iPad 2004? Nah...
is she using her finger? Looks like it...

(Device is a PBJ Slate, see following pictures. Years vary... Some page named "Ployer.com" wrote a story on PBJ Touch slate in 2004. Page is broken though)

ROUNDED CORNERS! CALL THE LAWYERS!!!!

Addendum: Sahara i213 was apparently launched in 2004.

According to news about it, it had finger touch (and stylus, of course).

From leading health care suppliers to major hospitals the Sahara iTablet PC has been well received by the medical community. The Sahara Touch-iT iTablet, utilizing a finger touch-screen and supporting XP Home or XP Professional, gives medical professionals the flexibility of having a fully featured PC available within a minimal footprint. Also since the Sahara iTablet line of products includes both Touch-screen and active Digitizer systems a medical practice is able to standardize on a single hardware supplier for their Tablet needs.​

---------
Fujitsu, 2004:

Not sure if i would call it "stylistic", then again i never liked Fujitsu design.

(heck, put it side by side with their new WP7 device and its like.. the same)

Thats enough for now.