Apple is silently tracking everything!!!

[thesaint]

Check this out

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/technology/2007/11/19/apple_is_silently_tracking_iphone_usage_data_maybe .html

Not sure how accurate is this information. Its Guardian, its gotto be true to some extent I guess.

[Resident Plarp]

Quick, let me get out my OJ conspiracy notebook.

[OJsakila]

you called...?

[Citsur86]

you called...?

Hahaha

I saw some guy wearing a t-shirt that said Drink Cranberry Juice, then there was a picture of OJ Simpson, then under that it said O.J. Will Kill you haha

[termleech]

Time to go get the tinfoil hats. I know I've got mine sitting it my cube at work :)

But seriously, who really cares. You are tracked in everything you do in one manner or another.

[iamtko]

Time to go get the tinfoil hats. I know I've got mine sitting it my cube at work :)

But seriously, who really cares. You are tracked in everything you do in one manner or another.

true that.

i don't mind it either. i mean, i figure i'm some crazy super-star in japan so it's all good.

[Lincoln]

Oh no! Apple knows that I have stock in General Electric I'm going to die!

Seriously. It's weather and stocks.

[g-man]

I just read on iphonehacks.com that it was through the weather and stocks app that they are tracking all IMEI's. not the calc app. all they need is your name ans SS# and they can tell exactly where you are in a few min anyway. Got to love big Bro.

[thesaint]

Oh no! Apple knows that I have stock in General Electric I'm going to die!

Seriously. It's weather and stocks.

Yeah the article says weather and stocks, but you never know what they are really tracking. Only time will tell.

[ChaosAttractor]

Actually, this IS a big deal. It's hard to know how benign Apple's intentions are, but that's secondary to the intrusion of privacy involved. When Microsoft does things like this, people are in an uproar; when it's Apple, no problem?

Although most of us do not feel the direct effects of data mining (in general, and not just pertaining to apple), it can have serious repercussions, from stolen information to government monitoring of your actions. And btw, there are people who could make good and illegal use by studying the stocks that people are watching in aggregate or the stocks that particular influential people are constantly monitoring.

[Alexander]

Actually, this IS a big deal. It's hard to know how benign Apple's intentions are, but that's secondary to the intrusion of privacy involved. When Microsoft does things like this, people are in an uproar; when it's Apple, no problem?

Although most of us do not feel the direct effects of data mining (in general, and not just pertaining to apple), it can have serious repercussions, from stolen information to government monitoring of your actions. And btw, there are people who could make good and illegal use by studying the stocks that people are watching in aggregate or the stocks that particular influential people are constantly monitoring.

There is definitely truth in the bold statement.

[thesaint]

Actually, this IS a big deal. It's hard to know how benign Apple's intentions are, but that's secondary to the intrusion of privacy involved. When Microsoft does things like this, people are in an uproar; when it's Apple, no problem?

Although most of us do not feel the direct effects of data mining (in general, and not just pertaining to apple), it can have serious repercussions, from stolen information to government monitoring of your actions. And btw, there are people who could make good and illegal use by studying the stocks that people are watching in aggregate or the stocks that particular influential people are constantly monitoring.

Yeah Apple ain't some government agency to intrude our privacy. This is only a start from Apple.

[GailLA]

True, this info could be used for evil purposes, but I believe that it is just authenticating that it is actually an iPhone using the info. Otherwise anyone could snag the url and use it on other devices. Just a thought...

[coal0101]

I am more worried about google funding a DNA testing company than apple knowing what weather/stocks I follow. Is google trying to create a database with all my DNA?

[Lincoln]

So it might be more than Weather and Stocks. Do I care? No.

If this was Microsoft or Google, I might be a little bit more freaked. But I, unlike the Apple haters here, trust Apple and have no problem with knowing what song I'm listening to or seeing the picture of the pond I just took.

Just my opinion, it doesn't mean other people can't be freaked out.

[astrolux]

If they really want to see that I am using my map to see where the pubs are at and that I watch stupid stuff on YouTube or even that I am interested in wearing a sweater tomorrow they are more than welcome to waste their money. Hell, maybe they will make it easier for me to find a good pint while wearing a sweater I saw on YouTube!

[Youngbinks]

I think it's funny that it's weather and stocks. I mean, do THAT many people use Stocks? (I actually use both quite often)

[coal0101]

I think it's funny that it's weather and stocks. I mean, do THAT many people use Stocks? (I actually use both quite often)

I use both...everyone wants to know the weather and I think most users of the iphone (people that want the latest and greatest) would at least follow a few stocks.

[geordisjd]

I've always said that a little bit of haldoperidol, along with the fluoride, in the tap water would go a long way in preventing delusional paranoia and mythical thinking.

[psylichon]

I click on stocks once every couple days just 'cause it's there and I paid for it so I'ma gonna use it, dammit! It's, uh.... pretty! Me : Finances as Oil : Water.

As for privacy, I agree with the theory that the IMEI string is for authorization purposes only. Apple's not perfect, but seriously, what purpose would it serve them to cull this data? They have bigger fish to fry.

[scandalex]

So does this mean we're safe as long as we're not looking at weather and stocks?

Seriously, reading this only made me realize how little I use each app. I find myself watching TV for the weather before I leave for work in the mornings and I cant remember the last time I looked at stocks.

[thesaint]

So does this mean we're safe as long as we're not looking at weather and stocks?

May or may not. According to the Hackintosh forums, it only states that Stocks and Weather. Only Apple can answer whether its only these or more.

[termleech]

Looks like someone was jumping the gun a little to much. http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/iphone-doesnt-send-imei-information-to-apple-324640.php.

[Youngbinks]

I had a very distinct feeling this wasn't true.

[thesaint]

The original claim was as well reported by Gizmodo. Anyways thanks for clearing this up.