I am sure most folk have read that the new iPhone tracks its owners every step and keeps a record.
Fewer might know that the device is sending that data back to Apple who uses it to create data bases.
[url]http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703983704576277101723453610.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection[/url]
Even fewer might know that a lot of apps on other phones including the android operating system does the same thing, though not to the manufacturer.
[url]http://blogs.wsj.com/wtk-mobile/[/url]
Now think about this. Here are just a couple of the things such a data base might be used for...
1. Stalking...if a stalker gets the data he knows your life
2. Identity theft..the info would be worth a fortune to those folk
3. Marketing....
The last is what I think Apple is using or plans to use this for. Imagine if a shop in your local city had access to a list of potential clients that actually visit their area and already visit other shops like theirs! Now take it a step further...what if the data could be used to automatically send an advert to the phone if the owner is in the area?
now consider what the government could do with such a data base....
I think this is a very dangerous practice. The idea that third parties can make money without my permission from my phones is odious....
I am sure most folk have read that the new iPhone tracks its owners every step and keeps a record.
Fewer might know that the device is sending that data back to Apple who uses it to create data bases.
[url]http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703983704576277101723453610.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTWhatsNewsCollection[/url]
Even fewer might know that a lot of apps on other phones including the android operating system does the same thing, though not to the manufacturer.
[url]http://blogs.wsj.com/wtk-mobile/[/url]
Now think about this. Here are just a couple of the things such a data base might be used for...
1. Stalking...if a stalker gets the data he knows your life
2. Identity theft..the info would be worth a fortune to those folk
3. Marketing....
The last is what I think Apple is using or plans to use this for. Imagine if a shop in your local city had access to a list of potential clients that actually visit their area and already visit other shops like theirs! Now take it a step further...what if the data could be used to automatically send an advert to the phone if the owner is in the area?
now consider what the government could do with such a data base....
I think this is a very dangerous practice. The idea that third parties can make money without my permission from my phones is odious....