Is Your iPhone Stalking You? Move By Move Tracking Puts Liberty In Danger

[Obama 2012 1,714]

This is the type of ####### that is going to be the downfall of society and freedom. Once the technology is there, then you know the government wants to use it.

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http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/04/20/iphone.tracking/

(CNN) -- Apple devices appear to be tracking their owners' locations and storing data about people's whereabouts without their knowledge, according to a report posted Wednesday on a site called iPhone Tracker.

The unauthorized surveillance started in June 2010, when the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system was released, according to two researchers who say they discovered a hidden tracking file and posted it out of concern for users.

Apple has not responded to the allegations.

The researchers have posted a program online that will let any iPhone user see a map of his or her location over time, going back to June, when iOS 4.0 was released.

The program's developers, listed as Alasdair Allan and Pete Warden, 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, 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 have 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, they write.

They say these data are 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.

Some iPhone users expressed outrage at the news.

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."

He adds: "The data itself is jarringly accurate. Even though it appears to rely on tower triangulation rather than GPS pinpointing (meaning you're not safe with location services switched off), the map I was able to generate with mapping software the security duo released visualizes my life since the day I bought my iPhone 4 in July. Everywhere I've been. Bus trips home. Train trips to visit family. Vacations. Places I'd forgotten I'd even gone. Zoom in on that giant blotch over New York, and you can see my travels, block by block.

"My entire personal and professional life -- documented by a phone I didn't know was also a tracking device. It's all accessible -- where I've been, and when. I don't really have anything to hide, which is why I don't mind sharing the map. But it's just not right to have no choice in the matter; I don't want this information bouncing around in my pocket with me."

Others, including Forbes writer Kashmir Hill, wonder if this feature is "cool or creepy." She decides on "cool," writing that the program is "like a persistent, pervasive, secret location-diary."

[Zero Sum 305]

Buddy of mine sent me a pic of his locations two days ago.

You can disable this by turning off the GPS setting.

Paranoia is unfounded on this one.

[patient2010 93]

Buddy of mine sent me a pic of his locations two days ago.

You can disable this by turning off the GPS setting.

Paranoia is unfounded on this one.

thanks for sharing.....

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Buddy of mine sent me a pic of his locations two days ago.

You can disable this by turning off the GPS setting.

Paranoia is unfounded on this one.

Read the article. No you can't.

[mawilson 2,133]

Read the article. No you can't.

Well the truth is, cell phone carriers have been tracking their users for decades.

It's not really new. If you don't want to be tracked, don't use a cell phone.

[Zero Sum 305]

thanks for sharing.....

No problem. I also verified this with two friends that work for AT&T Mobile Tech. Its GPS can be shut off. Angry paranoids will still continue feeling that way though.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

No problem. I also verified this with two friends that work for AT&T Mobile Tech. Its GPS can be shut off. Angry paranoids will still continue feeling that way though.

and sheep like you will be placed in the gas chamber.

As I said, if you'd have read the article, you'd see that turning off GPS is irrelevant.

[Zero Sum 305]

No problem. I also verified this with two friends that work for AT&T Mobile Tech. Its GPS can be shut off. Angry paranoids will still continue feeling that way though.

The article also states

There's no evidence, they say, that the data is also transmitted to Apple as it's collected.

When you use devices that act like little computers, the thingies that work within them to track- like cookies in an internet browser and all that stuff, will tend to do the same as the computers.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Well the truth is, cell phone carriers have been tracking their users for decades.

It's not really new. If you don't want to be tracked, don't use a cell phone.

It's not just the iPhone, it's iOS, so they are following you with your iPad too.

[Zero Sum 305]

and sheep like you will be placed in the gas chamber.

As I said, if you'd have read the article, you'd see that turning off GPS is irrelevant.

Angry much?

This information came directly not from me, but from not one, but two AT&T Mobile techs. Maybe your paranoia is more relevant than their technical expertise?

Hint: GPS functionality is part of iOS...

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Go read about it on the Apple forums. It's Apple's doing.

[Zero Sum 305]

it would be cool if I could access the file for my iPod touch.

[mawilson 2,133]

It's not just the iPhone, it's iOS, so they are following you with your iPad too.

Following my iPad is pretty boring since it never leaves the house

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Following my iPad is pretty boring since it never leaves the house

But it has a built in hidden camera and watches what you do in the bathroom.

[Zero Sum 305]

Spooks- which Apple forums? I want tech info (for the iPod).