What Apple is attempting to patent sounds almost exactly like the software that was at the center of that school-district spyware scandal a few months ago:
Apple seeking to patent spyware
31–40 of 42 posts
Re: Apple seeking to patent spyware
#32Re: Apple seeking to patent spyware
#33Earlier quoted context omitted.
If Apple doesn't agree with you that you own the software on the phone, then jailbreaking your phone is "stealing" the software from them...
It seems much more likely that they'll use this to recover stolen phones (which makes them money), than to spy on jailbreakers (which makes them no money, and will probably get them sued).
You forgot part 3, where law enforcement compels Apple to activate this "feature" on whomever the suspect of the day is.
Most people don't realize that they are trading their privacy for a shiny GUI when they buy an iPhone, which is why the EFF tries to remind them.
Re: Apple seeking to patent spyware
#34It seemst hat MobileMe is getting a biometric update huh?
Re: Apple seeking to patent spyware
#35Bogus articles like this, particularly from an organization with a serious reputation, obscures good articles that point out actual dangers. This is a patent on a form of lojack or extension to what's already available on the mobileme website. I am much more afraid of a thief using the stolen data than the government (who already have means to do this).
Re: Apple seeking to patent spyware
#36Earlier quoted context omitted.
It seems much more likely that they'll use this to recover stolen phones (which makes them money), than to spy on jailbreakers (which makes them no money, and will probably get them sued).
You forgot part 3, where law enforcement compels Apple to activate this "feature" on whomever the suspect of the day is. Most people don't realize that they are trading their privacy for a shiny GUI when they buy an iPhone, which is why the EFF tries to remind them.
> Most people don't realize that they are trading their privacy for a shiny GUI when they buy an iPhone
You do realize that you trade privacy for convenience every time you carry a cell phone with you — unless it's a one-time phone with prepaid SIMs — don't you?
There is no need for "a shiny GUI" for that, be it Apple's, Google's or HP's.
Re: Apple seeking to patent spyware
#37I'd be fine with this as long as it is an optional install. If the software is forced on you is where it becomes a problem. Apple could have the best intentions ever, but as mentioned in the article, if they have this capability the government, at some point, will come knocking.
"The Government" doesn't need this. Your standard phone already has everything it needs to locate you and tap your communications.
I disagree...the government will very much want this as I don't have a standard phone anymore because of cell phones. Many people are getting rid of their land-lines in favor of one phone. Not to mention that tapping my phone would likely require a warrant whereas in this situation they simply have to convince Apple it's in there best interest to comply.
Re: Apple seeking to patent spyware
#38Earlier quoted context omitted.
You forgot part 3, where law enforcement compels Apple to activate this "feature" on whomever the suspect of the day is. Most people don't realize that they are trading their privacy for a shiny GUI when they buy an iPhone, which is why the EFF tries to remind them.
> Most people don't realize that they are trading their privacy for a shiny GUI when they buy an iPhone You do realize that you trade privacy for convenience every time you carry a cell phone with you — unless it's a one-time phone with prepaid SIMs — don't you? There is no need for "a shiny GUI" for that, be it Apple's, Google's or HP's.
That's true, but while my government-tapped phone can only harm my privacy, your government-tapped iPhone can harm everyone's privacy (by recording sounds and video and sending them to Apple's Centralized Server).
Now, I know there is no "expectation of privacy" in public, but does anyone really expect that some random person's phone is recording a video stream of you and storing it indefinitely on a private company's servers?
Re: Apple seeking to patent spyware
#39So as about a million comments on Slashdot -- about as Apple-hating a place as you'll find -- pointed out, this patent application is basically for the phone equivalent of OnStar's "someone stole my car, find it and shut it down" system, plus a couple extra features like taking a picture of the thief or detecting attempts to get through the passcode lock. The patent, if granted, will most likely be bogus, but the int…
vicious lying stinking reeking bullshit FUD
Isn't this exactly the same thing that you're speaking out against? Using emotional words to bias people in your favor?
People do it because it works.
Re: Apple seeking to patent spyware
#40Earlier quoted context omitted.
That's how the EFF is choosing to spin it. A more reasonable person might view it as another opt-in security feature similar to Find my iPhone/Remote Wipe. The biometrics stuff is similar to Nike+ -- I'd love to see that built in and available to third party applications with my permission. It's one thing to educate people to the risks once a technology/feature is out there but to take a pre-emptive stand based on no…
TCP/IP isn't owned and controlled by a single corporation with a history of restricting user freedoms...
Neither is the SmartPhone. (though it is effectively owned by only a small handful of telcos in the US)