Apple patents tech to let cops switch off iPhone video, camera and wi-fi

[TransitJohn]

Police forces around the world have had the problem that when their officers get a bit carried away and start pepper spraying tied captives there is someone on hand filming the event on their mobile phones.

While six police lay into prone grannies on the floor with long batons, the pictures can be on the net in seconds, meaning supervisors have to answer embarrassing questions.

But they may not need to fear scrutiny much longer - Apple has patented a piece of technology which would allow government and police to block transmission of information, including video and photographs, whenever they like.

All the coppers have to do is decide that a public gathering or venue is deemed "sensitive", and needs to be "protected from externalities" and Apple will switch off all its gear.

The police can then get on with the very difficult task of kettling protesters without having to worry about a few beating anyone to death.

Apple insists that the affected sites are mostly cinemas, theatres, concert grounds and similar locations, but it does admit that it could be used in "covert police or government operations which may require complete 'blackout' conditions".

Read more: http://news.techeye.net/security/apple-patents-tech-to-let-cops-switch-off-iphone-video-camera-and-wi-fi#ixzz2bSYWdDm5

[dipsydoodle]

1. That's from almost a year ago - Sept '12.

Was it ever used ? The answer of course is to get A Samsung Galaxy and bin the iPhone.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

2. Or sell all your shit and head for the woods.

Looks more inviting everyday. Too bad I love central air and hot water. If the NSA finds a way to hack my apartment's HVAC unit I'm screwed.

[dipsydoodle]

4. I feel the same about my toaster.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

5. Hahaha.

The image of a piece of toast popping up with "we're watching" burnt into it is hilarious.

[DetlefK]

7. Who would even buy an iPhone? Ah yes, those who approve of the Foxconn working conditions.

[Downwinder]

3. Good, now that Apple has a patent,

the other manufacturers won't be able to do it without infringing.

[dipsydoodle]

6. lol

That is a very clever piece of thinking.

[leveymg]

8. How can Apple patent something as basic as a radio signal jammer?

It's a technology that goes back to World War One.

[backscatter712]

9. I think this one's done in software, rather than by using jamming.

Sounds like they want to build software into smartphones that deactivate cameras at arbitrary "no video" zones, with the phone shutting its camera off when its GPS detects it's in one of these specific areas.

Who gets to determine what areas are no-video zones? Hmmm...

[ellenfl]

10. and is the software already in iphones? as of what version?

i guess they could add it to a firmware update? will have to start carrying a spy camera around with me.

[backscatter712]

12. Dunno. My guess is not yet. But yeah, all it takes is a firmware update. n/t

[PD Turk]

11. I don't have as big a problem with Apple

I don't have as big a problem with Apple coming up with the tech a I do with a government who would actually use it to try and cover for jackboots while they beat and brutalize protesters.