Users angry to learn that iPhone is watching them

By Catholic Online
4/22/2011
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

iPhone tracking owners' location without their knowledge, consent

The Web site iPhone Tracker says that Apple devices appear to be tracking their owners' locations and storing data about people's whereabouts without their knowledge. This seemingly - and totally unauthorized surveillance started in June of 2010, when the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system was released.

As this graphic suggests, a futuristic, totalitarian government isn't necessary for 24/7 surveillance -- merely a willingness to buy and use Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - This was revealed by two researchers, identified as Alasdair Allan and Pete Warden, who say they discovered a hidden tracking file and posted it out of concern for users. Apple has not responded to the allegations.

Allen and Warden have posted a program online that will let any iPhone user see a map of their location over time, going back to June, when iOS 4.0 was released.

The researchers say this data is stored on a person's iPhone or 3G-enabled iPad and on computers that are synced with those devices. There's no evidence, they say, and that the data is also transmitted to Apple as it's collected.

"Cell phone providers collect similar data almost inevitably as part of their operations, but it's kept behind their firewall. It normally requires a court order to gain access to it, whereas this is available to anyone who can get their hands on your phone or computer," they write.

"By passively logging your location without your permission, Apple [has] made it possible for anyone from a jealous spouse to a private investigator to get a detailed picture of your movements."

The location data appear to be collected at random intervals over time, using cell phone towers to triangulate approximate locations. The researchers say the data is then stored in a file named "consolidated.db," and that it's "unclear" why Apple would collect this information.

"One guess might be that they have new features in mind that require a history of your location, but that's pure speculation. The fact that it's transferred across devices when you restore or migrate is evidence the data-gathering isn't accidental," they write on the iPhone Tracker site.

These allegations have rightfully inspired outrage for many Apple users. Sam Biddle, an editor at Gizmodo, used the downloadable program to map out his recent whereabouts, which he says was a frightening experience.

"This is a map of everywhere I've been for the last months. Everywhere," he writes on that tech site. "I didn't carry around a tracking device. The FBI isn't sending goons in unmarked vans to track me. All I did was use an iPhone."

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
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Keywords: iPhone, tracking, surveillance, privacy violation

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1 - 4 of 4 Comments

Michael
2 years ago
Big brother has been watching us for years, but now more than ever. When you show that little card at the supermarket too save 10 cents on peanut butter, all of your items are recorded. So if you bought certain items which could be used together to do something the government doesn't like, they will watch you closer. Shopping websites "predict" what you'll be interested in by what you've seen and bought. Consider the uses for that.

The agreement for Internet service often says that they will spy on you, for "statistical purposes." Who is watching these watchers?

The "King of this World" as scripture calls the evil one, is hard at work trying to steal your soul. Don't let him. Jesus bought you with his blood and you belong to him.

Happy Easter! The King has risen, God Bless you all!
Andrew
2 years ago
I can't see what the fuss is about. Apple is not collecting a record of anyone's location, just the devices collect it in a file. The reason its recorded there hasn't been given as of yet, however, according to the reports, it is not being uploaded to Apple or the cell phone company. Therefore, Big Brother is not looking in on us. This supposed furor reminds me of the one after TSA implemented airport scanners where many believed their privacy was being violated and said they would never subject themselves to the scan for that reason. However, looking at the images one can obviously tell it looked nothing like looking in the mirror after a shower for instance. Imagination is a powerful gift from God and one that is good to use, but like every gift it must kept reigned in or sometimes we will be left feeling disturbed when there is no factual reason for even our lasting attention. Pax Christi
Earnest Bunbury
2 years ago
It isn't just Apple, I had Comcast call me about a maintenance call I had and they told me I was watching TV at the moment and had been for an hour. It isn't just an incoming signal, they receive one too. It isn't only Comcast, someone cracking your computer, if it has a web cam, can see if you are home... and what color your underwear is, if any! Also, OnStar can hear any conversation they want even if you haven't pressed the button. That same car, even without OnStar, can record your movements and an official authority wanting that info can get it for purposes such as: national security, suspected criminal activity, or just an auto accident. The stuff going on our "permanent record" is getting much bigger by the day.
Harold Olsen
2 years ago
I would never buy either an iPhone or an iPad, even though I love the MacIntosh computer. But, with something like this going on, I believe it would be a good idea to avoid all things Apple. It makes me wonder just what else Apple is collecting. Perhaps, personal documents from Mac computers?? I love technology but companies like Apple abuse it and that is what this is -- an abuse and an intrusion.

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