LOL - People not knowing what they are talking about and then suing.
This is why we need loser pays.
This is why we need loser pays.
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Federal Lawsuit Filed Over Apple's Location Tracking in iOS [Updated]
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Hardly....they only asked for a refund...not the typical millions that the traditional idiotic US lawsuits offer out.
Sure, ask and ye shall receive
Source: The Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100...53610.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection
Oh, and data is collected even after location services are turned off.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704123204576283580249161342.html
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I am pretty sure most people would want to have that cache cleared by default. In particular since it serves no purpose at all (the history that is, the current location serves a purpose). Every web browser has a history and a very accessible way to both view and clear that history. And every web browser by default deletes the history after x days.
Why would users encrypt their iPhone backup? Because they know there is data on their iPhones they don't want to expose to people having access to their computer (or people potentially gaining access to their computer in way that is more likely/easier than accessing their iPhone directly). But almost anybody will assume that all the data on their iPhone are the ones they know about (like e-mail accounts, browser history, phone calls, stored passwords, etc.). They don't assume that the iPhone is secretly taking images of themselves and their surroundings that are stored in hidden folder.
Really, what is the fundamental difference between the iPhone secretly taking images and secretly noting down your location? You see, if the iPhone took images to orientate itself but deleted those right away, it would be acceptable. Storing those images however is a whole other kettle.
And I know about what kind of information every application stores. Most applications do not maintain any databases beyond a list of recently used files and folders and a users preference settings (if you can call this a 'database'). Any app that creates a proper database makes this pretty obvious: e-mail clients, databases (sic!)
Of course I know about Spotlight, and everybody knows about it, everybody who has ever used it. People know about it and if they don't like it, they can turn it off. That is the fricking difference.
And there is a big, big difference between knowing about every word on my computer and knowing about every keystroke I ever typed.
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You guys act like just because other companies gather location information that it somehow makes the case with apple null and void.
Further, it really is irrelevant whether or not the information is sent to Apple or whether or not the information is easily accessible.
It comes down to this: Even if you disable location based services, iOS continues to store general information about your location without your permission.
Android, who so many of you like to point to, will not permanently store or send any location data once you opt out.
And lastly, the right to privacy has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not you are a criminal. The logic that only those with something to hide have anything to worry about is flawed on so many levels, and just because you can't see a practical means of your location data being exploited does not mean that there isn't one.
Further, it really is irrelevant whether or not the information is sent to Apple or whether or not the information is easily accessible.
It comes down to this: Even if you disable location based services, iOS continues to store general information about your location without your permission.
Android, who so many of you like to point to, will not permanently store or send any location data once you opt out.
And lastly, the right to privacy has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not you are a criminal. The logic that only those with something to hide have anything to worry about is flawed on so many levels, and just because you can't see a practical means of your location data being exploited does not mean that there isn't one.
Not to trivialize your stalker example, but the only way that they could get that data is to physically be in possession of her iPhone or iPhone back-up from her computer and even then, they would need to know what they are doing.
Now if they in fact they do have possession of either of those items, and the devices are not locked down with a password, the location data cache is the least of her troubles as the phone itself likely has much more personal info that they could use without as much as a hack.
I do agree that the file should be encrypted however.
From what I understand, this data cache file is not unique to Apple. Apple is never in possession of this tracking data. It is only used so the user get's better and more reliable signals and better battery life. Google, Microsoft, Rim, and the rest have been very quiet on this issue. It makes you wonder why.
Someone should find out what Google does with the tracking data. If they are selling it, crap should hit the fan big time!
At the end of the day, this is soooo overblown. We have very little privacy with wireless connections, cellular connections, IP connections, cameras etc. I'm not surprised about this cache file, and it doesn't concern me much... So long it's encrypted.
I get a good laugh at all of the Apple haters that are spouting off as if Apple is harvesting this info and keeping it or selling it. It's used to improve the performance of my device. I for one, am fine with that. Just secure the file.
Are these folks serious....
I guess Apple's an easy target here. Reality is, Android tracks the same data. And I bet that other phones do as well. I think the advice should be that Apple somehow encrypt this data so only they can decipher it - make it less obvious. Now does any really care where these 2 people that are suing actually went with their phones? Maybe they are trying to hide something?
I guess Apple's an easy target here. Reality is, Android tracks the same data. And I bet that other phones do as well. I think the advice should be that Apple somehow encrypt this data so only they can decipher it - make it less obvious. Now does any really care where these 2 people that are suing actually went with their phones? Maybe they are trying to hide something?
*shuts eyes and plugs ears* Apple can do no wrong!!!!!
#1. It's entirely irrelevant what Google does. Try telling a cop that you "weren't the only car speeding" and see what he says...
#2. It's hilarious that literally dozens of thoughtless forum posters are blindly defending Apple against "money grubbing lawyers." They aren't asking for damages, all they are suing for is for Apple to stop the practice, and for their purchase prices to be refunded.
"Money grubbing?" Really?
New question: if the plaintiffs are not doing this for the money, how then will you try desperately to question their evil motivations?
#1. It's entirely irrelevant what Google does. Try telling a cop that you "weren't the only car speeding" and see what he says...
#2. It's hilarious that literally dozens of thoughtless forum posters are blindly defending Apple against "money grubbing lawyers." They aren't asking for damages, all they are suing for is for Apple to stop the practice, and for their purchase prices to be refunded.
"Money grubbing?" Really?
New question: if the plaintiffs are not doing this for the money, how then will you try desperately to question their evil motivations?
For all the people freaking out that Apple is tracking you...they are not. They have no reason to and google is already sending all of our info straight to Obama.
I am particular to the mock about the Apple is storing our text messages...very funny! Next thing you know apple will get sued over its could based mobile me service (if it does come out) for storing peoples music.
What a huge waste of my tax dollars and Apples time.
Just remember Google is in bed with the Government! Fight the man!
I am particular to the mock about the Apple is storing our text messages...very funny! Next thing you know apple will get sued over its could based mobile me service (if it does come out) for storing peoples music.
What a huge waste of my tax dollars and Apples time.
Just remember Google is in bed with the Government! Fight the man!
Glass bubble
Privacy is not an issue when you stand behind in line at the bank and go on about your boyfriend... Privacy doesn't seem to matter when you sit at the next table in a nice restaurant and go on about your pap smear... Privacy is never an issue when you pace back and forth outside my home complaining about how your best friend betrayed you... But privacy is so important when a file in you iPhone vaguely keeps track of your movements around town and is not seen by anyone but a cell tower. Now that's stupid!
Privacy is not an issue when you stand behind in line at the bank and go on about your boyfriend... Privacy doesn't seem to matter when you sit at the next table in a nice restaurant and go on about your pap smear... Privacy is never an issue when you pace back and forth outside my home complaining about how your best friend betrayed you... But privacy is so important when a file in you iPhone vaguely keeps track of your movements around town and is not seen by anyone but a cell tower. Now that's stupid!
That's for a civilian assuming some "police role". But if you are at someone's house legally and see contraband or whatever, you can become a witness, and turn in evidence yourself.
Now that would be against the law. I hope.
Both those scenarios require quite a big tinfoil hat for comprehension, could you send me one so I can understand? No doubt you've already managed to get my whereabouts from my iPhone, and can just mail it based on that.
You need restraining orders for this, if provable. But, "public appearances" sounds like something where a celebrity has to allow the public to be. Otherwise she won't be much of a celebrity. (personally, I could never handle it)
Have you noticed that this particular log file requires those stalkers to have already committed a crime against your gf? B&E and/or theft, specifically. Which means you have far more serious security issues, cause I think they already know where she is. That's the real issue to me, this is a file on your phone and linked computer. Any damage to me that really worries me has already occurred by the time they get this file.
I suppose encripting it would be useful. Not worth a lawsuit and the tinfoil hat, though.
at least someone with a tech-savvy answer...
while I am aware and agree on the technical implications you name, I disagree on that it is necessary to save this data permanently.
in germany we have an interesting legal discussion at the moment. the european union demands all its members to force their ISPs to track and store all IP/client data for a 6 month period. germanys high court has recently opposed this as opposing our constitution (at least for now).
I dont think apple is up to evil, nor do I think that our western governements are to use the collected data with such aims. still I disapprove of unnessecary data collection and user monitoring. not only do I expect apple to give us the widest choice of personal data integrity possible, I also expect them to protect us from questionable app developers who farm personalized data.
And you knew that Apple offered a very accessible switch to switch off all location services (ie, the use of the GPS to calculate your position). Except that this switch did not stop the creation of a database.
Ok Folks, you said they could!!!
Hey, everyone stop complaining about Apple collecting data on your location. YOU TOLD THEM THEY COULD!!! You clicked 'OK' when they asked, "Can Apple Use Your Location?" You said YES!!! What are you complaining about? And if you're SO WORRIED, stop murdering, robbing, assaulting, cheating on (your spouse/significant other) and any other activity that questions your honesty as a human being. JUST WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF???
Hey, everyone stop complaining about Apple collecting data on your location. YOU TOLD THEM THEY COULD!!! You clicked 'OK' when they asked, "Can Apple Use Your Location?" You said YES!!! What are you complaining about? And if you're SO WORRIED, stop murdering, robbing, assaulting, cheating on (your spouse/significant other) and any other activity that questions your honesty as a human being. JUST WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF???
But there is no technical reason why they would have to know where you were one year ago.
The iPhone 'needs' to know you approximate current location to give any location request a head-start before the GPS results come in (or if they do not come in at all because there is no connection to them possible). The iPhone does not 'need' to know where you were one year ago.
It is not about the tracking, it is whether any application (or even the OS) gets access to location data. If I turn off location data, I am telling my phone: 'Do not hand out any location data to anybody and certainly do not store them.' The MSP still knows your location but that is a matter between you and the MSP (and your lawmakers if they mandate/allow the MSP to collect and store data).
The law abiding citizens that had their identity stolen weren't afraid either. And you should see where that attitude got them.
Because you don't see any useful way to use this kind of personal information doesn't mean some malicious person won't. Out of the 6 or so billion people on this planet, don't you think at least one of them is not cooking up a scheme to use this info. And if not this information, it will be the next set of personal information Apple will carelessly leave un-encrypted. And by carelessly I mean they have had almost a year to correct this problem.
It's simple. If the information is personal it must be secure by default.
Yes, they will get rich by asking Apple to stop tracking data and refunding their iPhone purchase price.
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Mobile/8H7)
My Garmin GPS does this too but Apple's a better target to sue. <beeping> lawyers and people who file frivolous lawsuits must be stopped.
My Garmin GPS does this too but Apple's a better target to sue. <beeping> lawyers and people who file frivolous lawsuits must be stopped.
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If the information was so important to someone else, they could just pay someone to follow you or get the information in other ways.
That someone would have to steal your iPhone to access this information is way beyond what they would have to do to get the same information a number of other ways.
And you can opt out of this by going to oo.apple.com (which is described somewhere further down in the fine print). Except that this does not prevent the creation of this database.