Memo to iPhone Users: Your Phone is Secretly Tracking Where You Go
- Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:27pm by
Emily Esfahani Smith
- Print »
- Email »
Security researchers have discovered the latest operating system powering the iPhone and iPad keeps a log of everywhere you go, recording both the location and time you were there.
The feature has been around since June 2010, meaning some iPhones have nearly a year of location history recorded in a single file — every step, trip to the park, family vacation and more. And that, said security experts Alasdair Allan and Pete Warden, who uncovered the file, poses serious problems.
Fox Business Network’s Gerri Willis reports:
According to The Guardian:
The file contains the latitude and longitude of the phone’s recorded coordinates along with a timestamp, meaning that anyone who stole the phone or the computer could discover details about the owner’s movements using a simple program.
For some phones, there could be almost a year’s worth of data stored, as the recording of data seems to have started with Apple‘s iOS 4 update to the phone’s operating system, released in June 2010.
“Apple has made it possible for almost anybody – a jealous spouse, a private detective – with access to your phone or computer to get detailed information about where you’ve been,” said Pete Warden, one of the researchers.
Read more.
Popular Stories
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 706 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 553 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 368 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 362 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 362 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 362 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 368 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 285 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 149 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 362 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (73)
Swordsmansmith
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 10:51pmGlad to see im not the only one stocking up food, water, and ammo. Guess either im not crazy or this craziness called being prepared is contagious.
Report Post »destinykiera
Posted on April 21, 2011 at 5:57amSweetie, I am doing the same thing and my hubby knows nothing about it. If he would find out, he would think me totally crazy. It’s not about him, now is it? God Bless you all.
Report Post »mom4times
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 10:35pmJust a question, are ipods also affected…..and to Tower7; not ALL cars past 99 have GPS…..my inlaw’s pacifica and my old excursion….06 suburban does….although still haven’t figured out how to use it. and to BetterDays…
Report Post »back up power – check
heirloom seeds – check
scanner – check
ammo – check
dog – check
year supply of beef, pork, chicken (eggs), milk (cow), butter (same cow), cheese (same cow), turkey – check
home brew – check
tower7femacamp
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 11:39pmmom4times the GPS I was talking about is not for the public.
Report Post »but you do seem to be prepared.
There is also the possible Radiation from Japan
that may taint our food supply.
longun45
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 10:23pmThat means if somebody picks it up and makes off with it I can find it and them. handy feature. Go a head and track me, you’ll die of boredom.
Report Post »Endstatism
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 10:19pmIn Florida we have some of the strictest privacy laws in the nation. A lawsuit is waiting for anyone who tries to access those file or create a false reason to subpoena phone information. Private investigators, you better leave that “opportunity” alone or else face a privacy rights lawsuit.
Report Post »mikenleeds
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 10:03pmthat s messed up , sounds like obama socialist government has a hand in this too , am sending my iphone 4 back tomorrow and they will be giving my money back or i will sue there asses off , am talking to our local d.a. to see if i can press charges on apple for invasion of privacy and illegal spying .. who the hell do they think they are….
Report Post »Maggie in Indiana
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:39pmother than a company or government employee phione service ah… why? I feel like takin a hammer to mine ,except it cost me 500 bucks. I’d like to hear their reasoning for this “service”.
Report Post »thermonator
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 10:09pmIf your service provider can‘t find you and the person you are calling or receiving a call from they can’t connect you. No conspiracy, just a necessary evil that comes with the technology.
Report Post »Blazer334
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:28pm…and there is the reason I will never own an i-phone. Because not only can the record of where the i-phone has been be downloaded, but the phone can be accessed remotely over the internet by third party and the users location can be tracked in real time. And yes, the phone cannot be turned off. Ever tried to turn off your i-phone? You can’t even access the battery. It’s like voluntarily wearing a court ordered type tracking device.
Report Post »concerned for freedom
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:18pmAnd why would we be surprised? Of course this is the crap they are putting out there. The government knows everything we do anyway!
Report Post »thermonator
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:16pmYour cell phone sends out a signal every few seconds to “find” a cell site (the place that connects and transfers your call). It is common knowledge to those who know how a cell phone technology works that you can be tracked via your cell phone when it is on and you are using it.
Report Post »The thing I think is unusual is that this information is stored and saved.
Dougral
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:15pmI use an old and very dumb phone. No GPS, no apps, and no tracking. Plus it is off unless I want to make a call which is seldom.
Report Post »destinykiera
Posted on April 21, 2011 at 5:40amSeriously? Get a clue….You are being tracked, honey…..Hugz!
Report Post »NutterButter79
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:08pmTechnology is always tracking our moves. Even the Blaze keeps track of IP addresses and will fork them over if the FBI comes knocking. If you use a cell phone or a computer, you are being tracked down. What is a paranoid tech nerd to do?
Report Post »wth_happenedtomycountry
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:55pmNot news but I just realized it would be possible to track your mileage (e.g. your consumption of fossil fuels). Yippee!
Report Post »endgamer
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:52pmI haven’t upgraded to ios4.. I will not now ever.. Time to sue apple.. It’s none of their business where I go!
Report Post »MakJae09
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:51pmGuess what else?? If you get this thing called “caller ID” you can tell who is calling your phone!! I know George Soros is behind it!! I am still putting together all the pieces, but my gut tells me its him… my gut hardly ever fails me…
Report Post »BOMUSTGO
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:37pmThis is nothing new.If they ever try to track me down, I will just strap my phone to a stray dog and send them on a wild goose chase.
Report Post »dogma
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:36pmapples giving Obutthead an eye in the sky
Report Post »mrsmileyface
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:35pmBig Brother is watching. And has been watching for a long long time now.
Report Post »Sinista MACE
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:35pmDisclosure doesn’t make it alright or indemnify the perpetrators from liability and possibly prosecution.
Report Post »happy2behere
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:35pmOh NO! Now my trips to work, church, school and the store can be used to put those busybodies to sleep.
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:53pmIf they need to know the way to Walmart, I’m their girl. lol It isn’t funny though. I told my sister several months ago that I didn’t want On-star or GPS because the government cover track me (I’m a tea partier…danger) and she thought I was nuts. Then I find out that they can find out where I‘ve been anyway with through the car’s computer. Oh, well if they want to get bored to death, go for it.
Report Post »MOLLYPITCHER
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:35pmJust another reason why technology can be a very bad thing. Am I the only one who feels like I was born 200 years later than I should have been?
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:32pmhttp://newshour.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/2011/02/18/silicontoast_blog_main_horizontal.jpg
Report Post »Do you know who these people are ?
Stoic one
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:22pmone looked like bill gates, and there obama, and the head of apple, and cisco….
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:32pmGuess where I’m going next!
Report Post »Country
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:32pmI thought we already knew that.
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:55pmdid you know they are using this info as we speak ?
Report Post »http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sa=X&ei=Jo6vTd6XCYiitgf799mkBQ&ved=0CCAQvwUoAQ&q=cops+steal+cell+phone+data&spell=1
MODEL82A1
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:31pmThis is NOT news. I hope none of you are reading this here for the first time.
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:43pmAlways thought you could be tracked by any cel.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:07pmNo, but I don’t have a cell phone in use now, either.
Report Post »BailMeOutGuv
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:26pmHAHA! that‘s why i don’t have or own a cells phone….. I have OnStar.
Report Post »ozchambers
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:45pmNow they know I’m at The Blaze.
Report Post »BoilitDown
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:30pmThank God I can only afford two cans and a string. OOPs they can follow me to the end of the string…crap!
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:36pmGoogle,Facebook , Twitter, Apple
Report Post »& Obama
Now what is the common link ?
tower7femacamp
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:38pmher is another Memo, ALL cell phones can be tracked at anytime
Report Post »unless you pull the battery out.
And all cars post 1999 also have built in GPS
banjarmon
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:40pmIf I had one I would take a hammer to it….BANG…no phone…. I have no phone now and am much happier now.
Report Post »Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:41pmBig Brother has been watching you for years, you just didn’t know it.
MakJae09
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:48pm@IRONMAAN
Report Post »Exactly! Who do you think leaked this?? You just responded the way Google expected you too… Nice strategic move on Google’s part…
BetterDays
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:53pmTower7
Battery out, check
Truck, pre 99 check
Python check
Years supply food check
150 gallons ready water, and purification enabled. Check
Police FEMA scanner. Check
Two way radios. check
Bug out kit. Check
Secondary house power supply. Not check
Heirloom seeds. Check
Professional Infidel
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:55pmCharlston heston said it best, “Over of my cold dead body”
Report Post »Professional Infidel
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 8:56pmBut then again I don’t own one. I’m smelling the roses.
Report Post »nptden
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:02pmHow many HIDDEN APPS don’t we know about? Sure makes you feel secure, doesn’t it?..Maybe this is the ‘MARK’ of the beast?..
Report Post »TruthTalker
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:04pmDon’t go anywhere you are embarrassed about or have to lie about and you wont have any problem with others knowing.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:04pmWell doesn’t that just ice your cake?!
I had a brand new Nokia cell phone in about 2005 or 2006. A girl wrecked her car out in front of my house about 3 a.m., and I let her call for help. Someone called the police, and when they showed up, she walked off in the night with my phone. The police said they could not track my phone. HE LIED!
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:12pmSmart phones seem to only be smart for Big Brother.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:18pmglad i have a pay as you go throw away phone.
track this……
Report Post »booger71
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:23pmJust install a Jammer. It will jam the GPS tracking of your car and smart phone
Report Post »TexasProgressive
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:26pmReally? None of you knuckleheads realize that any of the tracking features can be disabled?
Report Post »Skippy Toes
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 9:47pmHahahaha!
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on April 20, 2011 at 11:06pmwhat the heck was that all about, momo?
Report Post »Apple Bite
Posted on April 21, 2011 at 12:00amThe common link? AT&T….
Report Post »dawg of gawd
Posted on April 21, 2011 at 2:11ambetter days . . . You forgot:
Walker Texas Ranger Box Set: check
Dehydrated water: check
Two-pack of condoms: check
White belt: check
Racquel Welch 1 Million Years BC poster: check
Bowling ball: check
XXL Suppositories: check
Thumb drive of all Bill Kristol’s jokes: check
One DVD of Atlas Shrugged Movie: check (that’ll double the box office!)
pallet of Rocky Mountain Oysters: check
End The Fed
Posted on April 21, 2011 at 2:58amiPhone users – turn off your location services and use the encrypt data option when you sync for backup
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on April 21, 2011 at 6:42amI have to agree, having no phone has made life a bunch easier.
Report Post »