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“Reverse location” search warrants identify all cellphones near a crime scene

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11–20 of 256 posts

Re: “Reverse location” search warrants identify all cellphones near a crime scene

#11
post #2

Every time I see one of these I'm validated in my decision to switch to Apple.

Every time I read such misguided comments praising Apple's surveillance devices vs. the competitors I lose a little bit more of what's left of my faith in humanity. Even the supposedly tech literate among us have completely lost sight of the fundamentals.

Re: “Reverse location” search warrants identify all cellphones near a crime scene

#12
post #2

Every time I see one of these I'm validated in my decision to switch to Apple.

Your mobile provider will be just as helpful with law enforcement. They've been selling your location data for a long time.

I'm surprised how you don't hear about this information being used in missing persons cases.

Re: “Reverse location” search warrants identify all cellphones near a crime scene

#13
post #5
post #2

Every time I see one of these I'm validated in my decision to switch to Apple.

Apple is the same. There are a lot of hidden regulations when you work on that scale.

What is "hidden" about this regulation? It was a search warrant approved by a judge. A concerningly broad search warrant, which is now being scrutinized.

Re: “Reverse location” search warrants identify all cellphones near a crime scene

#15
post #3
post #2

Every time I see one of these I'm validated in my decision to switch to Apple.

Personally I'm not a fan of Apple either (for non-privacy related reasons.) I'm planning to move my device (Pixel 2) to CopperheadOS to eliminate my concerns with Google services.

This will not protect you, cell phone operators will turn over cellphones connected to nearby towers with a warrant.

Re: “Reverse location” search warrants identify all cellphones near a crime scene

#17
post #4
post #2

Every time I see one of these I'm validated in my decision to switch to Apple.

If you read the article, "Location services may collect and share data with companies like Google and Apple, who in turn may share it with law enforcement agencies. "

The article is pointing the finger at Google apps on iOS devices:

“But while Apple's location data processing is anonymous, two hard-to-find settings— "Location History" and "Web and App Activity" — allow Google to keep track of everything their users search, and everywhere they go. It affects all Android users, and iPhone or iPad users with apps like Google Maps installed on their device.

Re: “Reverse location” search warrants identify all cellphones near a crime scene

#18
post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Your mobile provider will be just as helpful with law enforcement. They've been selling your location data for a long time.

I'm surprised how you don't hear about this information being used in missing persons cases.

It doesn't bring clicks, outrage or Apple advertisers out of the woods, so it also doesn't get featured on HN.

But it's certanly used to track missing persons and kidnappings for a long while now.

Re: “Reverse location” search warrants identify all cellphones near a crime scene

#19
post #2

Every time I see one of these I'm validated in my decision to switch to Apple.

Why did you have to make this about corporate cheerleading? Even though Apple shares location information per request as well (e.g. Find My Friends information is going through iCloud and will get shared with the authorities). Are you more validated if the shared data sent to police have a nice little Apple logo on top?

Re: “Reverse location” search warrants identify all cellphones near a crime scene

#20
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you read the article, "Location services may collect and share data with companies like Google and Apple, who in turn may share it with law enforcement agencies. "

The article is pointing the finger at Google apps on iOS devices: “But while Apple's location data processing is anonymous, two hard-to-find settings— "Location History" and "Web and App Activity" — allow Google to keep track of everything their users search, and everywhere they go. It affects all Android users, and iPhone or iPad users with apps like Google Maps installed on their device.

If you switch off GPS for Google Maps on your iPhone, you should be save. Did that and only use Google Maps now to sanity-check Apple Maps traffic conditions.
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