While some may argue that Apple and the iphone user have an agreement that allows Apple to collect data in one fashion or another, the agreement cannot be made if the iphone owner knows nothing about it.
Collection of data needs to be disclosed to the public in order for individuals to be able to make a choice. I don't know if a company can be made to offer a choice of collection or no collection . Perhaps it is their right to say if you buy this, this is how it works. But at the very least they have to tell you that is how it works. If not legally bound to offer the ability to stop data collection, I would think a company that offers the choice has a better public image.
The other thing to be concerned about is that large companies have much more access to government leaders at higher levels than individuals. If you have blind faith in company X and the government then you will believe the government will never get access to this information. Powerful people are always honest and reasonable right?
I am not picking on Apple. I'm sure Apple is not the only company collecting data. And perhaps there is no use of the data to be concerned about. Doesn't matter.
Is this the same government that used warrantless wiretaps on AT&T customers in the "fight against terror"? I find this whole ordeal ironic.
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I'm more concerned about "The Patriot Act," you know, that "little law" the Bush admin instated that basically threw out "Due Process" and tore up the Constitution. Our founding fathers are rolling in their graves...
...although honestly, they can follow me all they want, my life is BORING. Heck, Jobs can come by for dinner any time
I share your concern. But to get people to want to fight for rights, you cannot say company X is Ok so they can collect data. You mentioned yourself that the government used AT&T. The iphone uses AT&T. And while you and I may believe Apple wouldn't share the data in that manner, things change. What about 10 years from now? What if some event occurs that makes people think anything goes?
And finally you say that you don't care because your life is boring. What if at some point in the future, deals are made that allow law enforcement access to the data and people shrug it off? You may not do anything illegal but what if every time a crime occurs within a radius of your phone, police pick you and others up for an interview as a witness? Even if you were oblivious to the crime? Or what if speeding tickets just arrive in the mail through monitoring? It isn't that simple.
