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Federal Lawsuit Filed Over Apple's Location Tracking in iOS [Updated]
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Obviously this IS an issue; just not a very big one. Considering the low quality of the data and the nature if what is stored, it is not well suited for tracking user whereabouts with any level of confidence.
Apple does need to address this, but I don't see any malicious intent. The data serves a valuable function for the user and is not collected by Apple.
Apple does need to address this, but I don't see any malicious intent. The data serves a valuable function for the user and is not collected by Apple.
While I can't say that I like the idea of private information being recorded without clear consumer knowledge or warning, I have to wonder what exactly is getting 'exploited' here? In two years when you throw your phone out Apple secretly searches your trash, takes it and markets to you based on where you went two years ago? Give me a break.
Perhaps this is like CCTV systems in the workplace.
You are allowed by law to fit them, however staff must be told they are there.
Perhaps it's just that the public need to be made away this is being done, and not done secretly. If people knew, then this would be a non story in the 1st place.
You are allowed by law to fit them, however staff must be told they are there.
Perhaps it's just that the public need to be made away this is being done, and not done secretly. If people knew, then this would be a non story in the 1st place.
Rants are harder to read without punctuation.
Where'd you get the info on Apple and law enforcement? Little green men? Perhaps you tuned it in through your tinfoil cap?
Can we officially call this an over reaction? I'm all for Apple explaining what is going on here but a lawsuit is overkill. Where is the proof that this is actually harming people?
Strange but using the downloaded software my 3Gs running the latest iOS doesn't show very many of the places I've been. I drove 400 miles this weekend using the 3Gs for navigation and a photo. Even that trip doesn't show. All I can see is a bunch of evenly-spaced dots in my area.
Another Crock of Crap
Obviously these know-nothings have not tried to "easily access" their supposed private tracking information on the iPhone.
FIRST, you cannot access it directly on the iPhone, you have to have access to the OSX (Mac) computer that the iPhone was synced with.
SECOND, you have to log onto said computer, download a specific application which may or may not work.
THIRD, if the app does not work, you have to find the specific subdirectory where the data is located, load a specific file into a text editor, identify the device, run a Python script to convert random strings, start terminal and cd into the subdirectory, run a command, then pipe it through grep, and finally run the results through some type of SQL database reader to get the CellLocation table.
I am sure that virtually all users can accomplish these tasks with ease, thus allowing the entire world access to this data.
What a crock of crap!
Obviously these know-nothings have not tried to "easily access" their supposed private tracking information on the iPhone.
FIRST, you cannot access it directly on the iPhone, you have to have access to the OSX (Mac) computer that the iPhone was synced with.
SECOND, you have to log onto said computer, download a specific application which may or may not work.
THIRD, if the app does not work, you have to find the specific subdirectory where the data is located, load a specific file into a text editor, identify the device, run a Python script to convert random strings, start terminal and cd into the subdirectory, run a command, then pipe it through grep, and finally run the results through some type of SQL database reader to get the CellLocation table.
I am sure that virtually all users can accomplish these tasks with ease, thus allowing the entire world access to this data.
What a crock of crap!
Do you know this for certain?
As far as I'm concerned, I am pretty sure apple does track this information. Why else force everyone that wants to use apples devices to agree to this in their TOU?
Sorry, but thats b.s.
The i-devices query apple's db to match SID and geolocation, not the local dump... and apart from that, you wouldnt have to log SID's more than once and certainly not with include the timestamp each time.
given past vulnerabilities of iOS via the pdf rendering and major security flaws in safari, this scenario is far more likely than you make it sound.
two wrongs dont make a right.
that said, the provider has no technical means to log more detailed location data than apple. they use the same methods if triangulation and unlike apple have no access to SID signal strength and GPS data.
Thinking it's only stored on the device and not used by Apple is naive. What's the point of logging your every location if it's not going to be used in some way.
I'm going to assume if you wipe your phone, your location data isn't lost... it will still be in Apple's possession. What else is iOS storing and sending to Apple that we don't know about? Slippery slope if you ask me.
I'm going to assume if you wipe your phone, your location data isn't lost... it will still be in Apple's possession. What else is iOS storing and sending to Apple that we don't know about? Slippery slope if you ask me.
While I can't say that I like the idea of private information being recorded without clear consumer knowledge or warning, I have to wonder what exactly is getting 'exploited' here? In two years when you throw your phone out Apple secretly searches your trash, takes it and markets to you based on where you went two years ago? Give me a break.
again so that you might understand it:
The issue is that the data are stored unencrypted on your iPhone. So everyone can steal your phone and find out where you've been in the last year. If you think that is not an issue then your job is not very important and your private life is very boring.
It's not that Apple uses this info. It's about the fact that there is a gaping security hole that Apple did not fix.
Hyperbole and ignorance all in one fell swoop.
Apple isn't tracking people. Your device is storing data. The same way it stores all your contact information, your text conversations, your photographs, and your web history -- yet no one is claiming that Apple is tracking your text conversations or contact information.
It angers me when people like this Mayer guy not only take advantage of people's lack of understanding about what's going on, but exploit it for sensationalistic gain. I'd love to poke him in the eye.
again so that you might understand it:
The issue is that the data are stored unencrypted on your iPhone. So everyone can steal your phone and find out where you've been in the last year. If you think that is not an issue then your job is not very important and your private life is very boring.
It's not that Apple uses this info. It's about the fact that there is a gaping security hole that Apple did not fix.
But that's different from APPLE "EXPLOITING" you, isn't it? Perhaps a dictionary reference will help you "understand it"?
Verb 1. exploit - use or manipulate to one's advantage;
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/exploit
So, pray tell, what's Apple's advantage over you here?
Its not that Apple is using this data its how its being used by others. Its Apples job to protect us not allow our private info to be used against us.
SEE >>>> www.cellebrite.com - forensic-products
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On any android device, you can opt out beginning with the setup of the device. It's not hidden in the TOS when you buy the device.
If the chicken littles had any idea how transparent and documented their lives already are, they would never leave the house. It amazes me how many people think "other people" are trying to find out what they do in their mundane lives. Some egos!
I hate to think that a decent way to track potential terrorist movements was ruined by all of this bs. Imagine how much good information could have been had if a terrorist was arrested and his cell phone record scanned to find out where other terrorists are meeting. But no, you people have to tell them to delete the file. Thanks!
I hate to think that a decent way to track potential terrorist movements was ruined by all of this bs. Imagine how much good information could have been had if a terrorist was arrested and his cell phone record scanned to find out where other terrorists are meeting. But no, you people have to tell them to delete the file. Thanks!
it looks like a different world from today,
but really it's less than 70 years ago that we had the NAZI regime here in germany. it's less than 25 years ago that we had an repressive surveillance society in east germany. if there is no apparent good in tracking personal data, one should object to it.
you shouldn't have to reason against collecting and storing personal data if it isnt a real necessity.
there's enough data stored about you, me and anyone in todays digitalized world as is.
When you bought your device (even if you didn't purchase one, I'm speaking to the general 'you'), you knew that it had GPS capabilities. You knew that the phone knew where you were at any given time.
You also knew it had network capabilities. Nothing stops any GPS device with networking capabilities from broadcasting this data without you knowing. We trust the manufacturers of these devices to not do that.
Saying you don't trust Apple/Google/etc to not secretly broadcast your data just because it's backed up like your contacts/phone-conversation-information/texts/etc runs counter to the same trust you placed in those companies when you bought the device; if they're willing to broadcast that data because it's saved on your device they could just as easily broadcast that data as it's being gathered, real time without storing it. In fact, it'd be easier to do that since there wouldn't be an easy artifact left behind for people to gawk at.
Seriously, if you trust these companies to not broadcast your data behind your back while you're using it, why do you think they're going to broadcast it because it's part of your backup?
OMG, have you heard? Apple is secretly spying on our TXT messages, contacts, and e-mail! Seriously! If someone stole my iPhone and guessed my passcode they would be able to look through this list of "contacts" and find out where I lived. They could even check my calendar and know when I'm not home and come rob me. Even if I put fake info in my contacts they can still see my e-mails! All they have to do is look through my e-mails and find a receipt, or shipping notice, or the bill for the power, or my cellphone bill, or my water bill and they would have my home address!
Brings to mind:
If you outlaw guns, only the outlaws will have guns.
Seriously, communication between your device and cell towers etc. has been this way since the first cell phone.
It's similar to getting your phone bill showing you all the calls made.
You keep the bill, it's private info and only at the phone company.
Somebody steals it, different problem.
If Apple was still a small company nobody would have cared.
They are connecting themselves to Apple to get publicity.
BTW: I have been asked plenty of times by my iphone whether I want to allow location services. I click yes, as I have nothing to hide.
The criminals that this would actually be harmful to are using stolen cell phone etc.
Where did I say Apple is exploiting me?
Apple did a shoddy programming job by not encrypting the data. Thaty is why Apple is under pressure by the various govenments and rightfully so. Nobody says Apple is using this data in a malicious way. (aside of this lawsuit but that is only here in the USA and stupid and greed driven by lawyers and totally besides the real issue)