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Steve Jobs on iOS Location Issue: 'We Don't Track Anyone'
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I never understand these things.
It's like asking a burger "did you steal anything?"
The answer will either be silence or it will be no.
Even if Apple were using and collecting tracking locations to build up databases of customer movements, they are not going to shout "YES WE ARE TRACKING PEOPLE"
It's just a silly question to ask, what do you think they will say?
If Apple want to be seen to be squeaky they have a simple answer, put a setting in the iDevices options to turn off location tracking/storage.
Simple.
It's like asking a burger "did you steal anything?"
The answer will either be silence or it will be no.
Even if Apple were using and collecting tracking locations to build up databases of customer movements, they are not going to shout "YES WE ARE TRACKING PEOPLE"
It's just a silly question to ask, what do you think they will say?
If Apple want to be seen to be squeaky they have a simple answer, put a setting in the iDevices options to turn off location tracking/storage.
Simple.
Right, and boy is there misinformation being spread right in this thread. Apple is NOT collecting this data, your iPhone is. It goes NOWHERE.
As I said, it isn't even doing that for me as I deleted that file on my Mac. Hey, instead of running around with your hair on fire, just delete that file. Wow, that's easy!
Naah, better to pretend this is one big conspiracy from Apple and spread misinformation. Hey, I know, let me contradict Steve's explicit statements. I sure know who I trust more: anonymous snipers on the Internet over Steve Jobs.
I'm guessing silence, since burgers don't talk.
D.
I do and No I didn't steal anything!
I urge anyone who is a regular Macrumors reader to ignore anyone labeled as Newbie in threads/discussions on this tracking/location issue. Most are trolls.
I was one of the more vocal advocates on these threads way back when in the early days of the antennagate fiasco and the sheer number of trolls were mind-numbing. Of course they all went away into their trolldom caves, but some are showing their trollish faces again.
Another tip: best way to ignore trolls is to not feed them.
I was one of the more vocal advocates on these threads way back when in the early days of the antennagate fiasco and the sheer number of trolls were mind-numbing. Of course they all went away into their trolldom caves, but some are showing their trollish faces again.
Another tip: best way to ignore trolls is to not feed them.
What a load of crap....
This whole thing is stupid. Of course the iPhone will track what cell towers and wi-fi access points are around it. It needs this information to be able to make phone calls and access the internet. It makes sense that this info be stored so that it does not have to gather in info every time (basic cacheing). What Apple did not anticipate was that someone would find this database and would start screaming about an "invasion of privacy". It is probably something that Apple could have foreseen and they should have encrypted this info, but until someone proves that this info is actually being transmitted back to Apple, it's just a bunch of crap.
This whole thing is stupid. Of course the iPhone will track what cell towers and wi-fi access points are around it. It needs this information to be able to make phone calls and access the internet. It makes sense that this info be stored so that it does not have to gather in info every time (basic cacheing). What Apple did not anticipate was that someone would find this database and would start screaming about an "invasion of privacy". It is probably something that Apple could have foreseen and they should have encrypted this info, but until someone proves that this info is actually being transmitted back to Apple, it's just a bunch of crap.
Android is funded by target advertising? I didnt know that, can you provide a link that backs this up?
I've been reading MacRumors for years - only added to the discussion a few times since 08. Not a troll, but still considered a "newbie".
Yeah, I just assume if you're using a device that is connected to the internet in some way, you're being tracked in one way or another. We are constantly faced with privacy and technology issues. As someone else has already said, if you don't want to worry about privacy issues disconnect from the internet entirely http://www.theonion.com/video/google-opt-out-feature-lets-users-protect-privacy,14358/ (lol). If you want your location private, get away from smartphones entirely.
I have to wonder if this email is accurate. It could be another bunch of FUD being put out there in an attempt to make it look like Apple isn't taking this seriously.
Is it serious? Yes and no. Sure the data isn't being sent to Apple but there is no way to "opt out" of it and that is what many people have issues with. Then again, they will have issues with it until they need to track someone - like a lost loved one or a cheating spouse (I'm sure this has majorly freaked out some cheaters!).
I also have to wonder how long before we get proof many other phones do this - not just android either, I've got a sneaky suspicion more phones do this than people realize.
Is it serious? Yes and no. Sure the data isn't being sent to Apple but there is no way to "opt out" of it and that is what many people have issues with. Then again, they will have issues with it until they need to track someone - like a lost loved one or a cheating spouse (I'm sure this has majorly freaked out some cheaters!).
I also have to wonder how long before we get proof many other phones do this - not just android either, I've got a sneaky suspicion more phones do this than people realize.
Umm, Android's on-phone database might be smaller, but the phone sends all your location data to Google several times an hour tied to a unique identifier, where I'm sure the database is unlimited. And even if you trust Google with that data, they've been hacked before.
The only way anyone gets your iPhone data is if they steal your phone and you don't do a remote wipe in time. Or if they steal your computer and you don't encrypt backups.
this is a concern
I get that Apple isn't tracking anyone.. and all mobile phone records are available to law enforcement via warrant, etc.
However, this data is too easily accessible to a spouse who has access to the computer used as the backup machine. I could see situations where a jealous spouse, or controlling dhead husband wants to monitor where their spouse has been, or is going..
I think this is a huge problem and needs to be addressed. It's just too easy for this to be abused. Please Apple, encrypt the db and trim it.
I get that Apple isn't tracking anyone.. and all mobile phone records are available to law enforcement via warrant, etc.
However, this data is too easily accessible to a spouse who has access to the computer used as the backup machine. I could see situations where a jealous spouse, or controlling dhead husband wants to monitor where their spouse has been, or is going..
I think this is a huge problem and needs to be addressed. It's just too easy for this to be abused. Please Apple, encrypt the db and trim it.
It exists. There's no reason for it to exist. You can't disable it. And there are HUGE privacy implications should the file be accessed without your permission - by thieves, stalkers (or worse), advertisers, police, etc. - none of whom can access your cell company's location records, except authorities, and even then only by subpoena. Which means a judge has to agree that there's a good reason for them to need it.
Why is the file even there in the first place?
I totally agree. Just give users a way to kill the database and issue is over. What I would like to know is what was the original purpose?
Unintended consequences
This may simply be a case of unintended consequences. Apple may have a reason for collecting approximate location data based on cell towers. That reason is not yet clear. It's also not clear whether this information is uploaded to Apple. Even if it's uploaded to Apple, that doesn't mean that Apple is tracking individuals. I can't think of a compelling reason why Apple would want to track each of their millions of customers based on very approximate location data. One unintended consequence is what we're seeing now. As usual everyone jumps to a conclusion before we have any information.
It would be great if Apple clarifies what's going on, but that's unlikely. What's likely is that this will blow over in a week or so. What will not blow over however, is the sudden tension in many relationships now that spouses and other partners have a way to tell where their significant other has been for the past 6 months. That's the other unintended consequence of this.
This may simply be a case of unintended consequences. Apple may have a reason for collecting approximate location data based on cell towers. That reason is not yet clear. It's also not clear whether this information is uploaded to Apple. Even if it's uploaded to Apple, that doesn't mean that Apple is tracking individuals. I can't think of a compelling reason why Apple would want to track each of their millions of customers based on very approximate location data. One unintended consequence is what we're seeing now. As usual everyone jumps to a conclusion before we have any information.
It would be great if Apple clarifies what's going on, but that's unlikely. What's likely is that this will blow over in a week or so. What will not blow over however, is the sudden tension in many relationships now that spouses and other partners have a way to tell where their significant other has been for the past 6 months. That's the other unintended consequence of this.
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I spent two weeks in Ireland with my iPhone 4 and had location services + data and cell service turned off and it did not track my location at all during the entire stay. I did use wifi almost every day while there... and really only had my phone b/c the camera in the iPhone4 is much much better than my old Fujifilm point-and-shoot.
I think Steve Jobs is someone who doesn't suffer idiots gladly. Note how he didn't say "there is no list of locations on people's iPhones", what he said was "we don't track anyone". The opposite of "we don't track anyone" is "Apple is tracking some people's movements". Do you have any evidence of this? Do you _believe_ it?
Just think about his statement. Then consider that 1. Steve Jobs is just slightly wiser and more intelligent than you and is more likely to have a clue what he is talking about and 2. Steve Jobs is the CEO of a major company and can't afford to lie in public.
You are an anonymous poster on MacRumors. Steve Jobs is the CEO of a major company. You can say whatever you like. Steve Jobs can't. Plus whatever I said above.