WTF? NYT: (Hidden) Tracking File Found in iPhones & iPad

[Poll_Blind]

From New York Times:

Apple faced questions on Wednesday about the security of its iPhone and iPad after a report that the devices regularly record their locations in a hidden file.

The report came from a technology conference in San Francisco, where two computer programmers presented research showing that the iPhone and 3G versions of the iPad began logging users’ locations a year ago, when Apple updated its mobile operating system.

After customers upgraded the software, a new hidden file began periodically storing location data, apparently gleaned from nearby cellphone towers and Wi-Fi networks, along with the time.

--snip--

The news of what appeared to be a security problem immediately ricocheted across the Internet as bloggers on technology and Apple-centered sites debated the many questions left unanswered by the report. It is unclear, for example, whether Apple is gaining access to the information in any way. It is also unclear how precise the location data is and why it is being stored at all. The programmers said they had asked Apple’s product security team about their findings but did not receive a response. Apple also did not respond to a request for comment from The New York Times.

MUCH more at the link. Ouch. That's messed up.

PB

[Cronus Protagonist]

1. Here's what your girlfriend can get from your computer

... if it's a MAC...

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-04-iphone-ipad-ios-wvideo.html

[targetpractice]

6. It's "Mac" not "MAC"

Sorry.. That's mix-up is a pet peeve of mine, especially coming from Apple critics.

"MAC" is an abbreviation for Media Access Control. The MAC address is a unique ID for a any device with networking ability.

[kestrel91316]

2. I betcha Apple is doing it at the request of Homeland Security.

They probably keep a file of the whereabouts of each and every user for future reference.

[joshcryer]

4. It's far more useful for ad profiling.

Homeland security has cell phone tower access (ie, triangulation). But if you know where people are throughout the day you can target them with specific local ads that manipulate you into being hungry at a given point or whatever.

[joshcryer]

3. Eben Moglen predicted shit like this.

But oh no Apple loves you!

[onehandle]

5. Fourth time this has been posted today. Additionally, this was reported last year.

Smartphone makers use the data to make better phones.

Slow news day.

[Historic NY]

7. yeah, your phone, your lap top , your car & your ez-pass can all reveal where you are...

or where you were. Add to that your pet if chipped, and a US Passport. Big Brother knows all.

[targetpractice]

8. I'm glad my iPhone does this...

Apple's clever method allows my iPhone to share it's (my) location info with my (GPS-less) laptop. Once laptops get GPS functionality, they will produce similar location log files on their own.

The iPhone is only syncing a "tracking file" with the computer whose owner has specifically allowed it to pair with and sync apps, calendars, contacts, music, photos, and video. This location info is as secure just as the other sync data.