ktlight
2nd May 2011, 10:01
Apple's claim that the geolocation tracking of its customers via a stealth file maintained in devices running the iOS operating system are, well, "patently" false.
The stealth iOS file records geolocation information derived from triangulating the location of a device using the signals from the closest cell phone transmission towers and Wi-Fi access points. The data is continuously collected and recorded regardless of whether the user has chosen to disable location services features on their mobile device.
Apple released a statement earlier this week that claims the data collection is caused by a software bug that will be remediated in a soon to be issued update to the iOS. Apple admitted that the information was being sent to the company, but they maintain that they are unable to trace the data a particular phone or user.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs even stated directly that "We don't track anyone. The info circulating around is false."
Reports have now surfaced that demonstrate these assurances are false.
Apple filed for a patent in September of 2009 titled "Location Histories for Location Aware Devices" with the intent to develop services based around the company's ability to locate and track mobile devices running the iOS operating system.
The abstract of the patent reads as follows:
source
https://www.infosecisland.com/blogview/13405-Apple-Lied-Filed-Patent-for-Mobile-Device-Tracking.html
The stealth iOS file records geolocation information derived from triangulating the location of a device using the signals from the closest cell phone transmission towers and Wi-Fi access points. The data is continuously collected and recorded regardless of whether the user has chosen to disable location services features on their mobile device.
Apple released a statement earlier this week that claims the data collection is caused by a software bug that will be remediated in a soon to be issued update to the iOS. Apple admitted that the information was being sent to the company, but they maintain that they are unable to trace the data a particular phone or user.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs even stated directly that "We don't track anyone. The info circulating around is false."
Reports have now surfaced that demonstrate these assurances are false.
Apple filed for a patent in September of 2009 titled "Location Histories for Location Aware Devices" with the intent to develop services based around the company's ability to locate and track mobile devices running the iOS operating system.
The abstract of the patent reads as follows:
source
https://www.infosecisland.com/blogview/13405-Apple-Lied-Filed-Patent-for-Mobile-Device-Tracking.html