iPhone keeps record of everywhere you go

[VMI77]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/20 ... vacy-fears

Excerpt:

"Security researchers have discovered that Apple's iPhone keeps track of where you go – and saves every detail of it to a secret file on the device which is then copied to the owner's computer when the two are synchronised.

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."

Probably not a big deal: as long as you know about it.

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm curious as to why the phone even needs to store this information at all. Even if we were to assume that there is a legitimate reason to store that kind of information anywhere, that should be the function of the service provider's computers, not the cellphone owner's device. That's like the gas company secretly using my computer to manage my account, instead of using their own computing resources. It's creepy.

[Katygunnut]

I think I need to buy iPhones for my daughters in a couple years when they get to be teenagers. Since teenage girls would never willingly be parted from their cell phones, this is almost as good as an embedded GPS tracking device.

[gigag04]

I know that texts and files aren't really "deleted." So this tracking info might be stored as well. It could also be subject to a search warrant.

[pbwalker]

I know that texts and files aren't really "deleted."

Unless you know what you are doing...

[stroo]

Did any of you see the story yesterday that the Michigan State Police have a device that will download all the data off your smartphone during a traffic stop? Combine that with this story and can you say "Big Brother is watching you"?

[flintknapper]

I think I need to buy iPhones for my daughters in a couple years when they get to be teenagers. Since teenage girls would never willingly be parted from their cell phones, this is almost as good as an embedded GPS tracking device.

You can use the "find my Iphone" feature to locate the phone. Go to MobileMe...sign up the phones and you can track them. It doesn't mean the person who owns phone is at that location (just the phone), but as you say, teenagers are loathe to be separated from their phone.

[hirundo82]

The federal government been saying for a few years that they don't need a warrant to track you via your phone's GPS--they assert that by having a cell phone you are giving consent for them to track you. Cell phone carriers have set up websites to enable LEOs to track you via your phone.

There is a split among the federal circuits on this issue, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Supreme Court ruling on this within a few years.

[RPB]

I'm waiting for the chip implant which uses nervous system electrical pulses so I don't have to keep up with a charger. Should tie into auditory nerves too so it'll be "hands free" and legal in school zones ...
Won't need an outdated flat LED touch screen either after tying into optical nerves.
I won't get lost then, and it should wirelessly connect to the car.

Scientists develop car that can be driven just by THINKING

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/ ... z1K5oMT88f" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I like the Mercedes (photo at link below)
Merc Cyborg is Mercedes concept car driven by power of the brain
http://www.gizmowatch.com/entry/merc-cy ... the-brain/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[C-dub]

I think I need to buy iPhones for my daughters in a couple years when they get to be teenagers. Since teenage girls would never willingly be parted from their cell phones, this is almost as good as an embedded GPS tracking device.

Except that you would have to wait for your girls to come home to see where they've been.

I'm curious about where this file is located on my computer and if I can see it or not.

[WildBill]

I'm curious as to why the phone even needs to store this information at all. Even if we were to assume that there is a legitimate reason to store that kind of information anywhere, that should be the function of the service provider's computers, not the cellphone owner's device. That's like the gas company secretly using my computer to manage my account, instead of using their own computing resources. It's creepy.

It's called "market research".

[flintknapper]

I think I need to buy iPhones for my daughters in a couple years when they get to be teenagers. Since teenage girls would never willingly be parted from their cell phones, this is almost as good as an embedded GPS tracking device.

Except that you would have to wait for your girls to come home to see where they've been.

I'm curious about where this file is located on my computer and if I can see it or not.

No, you can track the phone with updates every few minutes. You can use a rendering of a map or a hybrid map which shows streets and satellite images of buildings, etc...

You can zoom in fairly close. All of that is available now.

[C-dub]

I think I need to buy iPhones for my daughters in a couple years when they get to be teenagers. Since teenage girls would never willingly be parted from their cell phones, this is almost as good as an embedded GPS tracking device.

Except that you would have to wait for your girls to come home to see where they've been.

I'm curious about where this file is located on my computer and if I can see it or not.

No, you can track the phone with updates every few minutes. You can use a rendering of a map or a hybrid map which shows streets and satellite images of buildings, etc...

You can zoom in fairly close. All of that is available now.

Really? I know there are apps that can do this if paid for, but I thought this specific information "stored" on the phone was only available to the computer once synchronized. Are you saying that there is another way to transfer this data from the phone to the computer to enable tracking?

[Winchster]

Really? I know there are apps that can do this if paid for, but I thought this specific information "stored" on the phone was only available to the computer once synchronized. Are you saying that there is another way to transfer this data from the phone to the computer to enable tracking?

No, ya'll are talking about two different things. What you are talking about is only stored on the physical device or backup on the computer. The information is only accessible with the device in hand.

What he is talking about is one of the many app's available that will show you in real time where the phone is physically located. That's useful for the teenage daughters. I have a couple.

[JJVP]

I think I need to buy iPhones for my daughters in a couple years when they get to be teenagers. Since teenage girls would never willingly be parted from their cell phones, this is almost as good as an embedded GPS tracking device.

Except that you would have to wait for your girls to come home to see where they've been.

I'm curious about where this file is located on my computer and if I can see it or not.

There is a link on the original article with info on the file and a program for you to see it.

http://petewarden.github.com/iPhoneTracker/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another reason I'm glad I don't have an iPhone