Saturday, August 28, 2010

Apple seeks patent to stop anybody jailbreaking iPhones

Stopping iPhones from jailbreaking with Apple patent

Jailbreaking your iPhone is currently legal according to U.S. copyright officials, but that does not mean that Apple is happy to sit back when users break free of their proprietary corporate mold and utilize the full potential of the handheld device. The Register made reports on the patent apple seeks that will be “covering an elaborate series of methods.” This will make sure to “protect iPhone owners from thieves” or anyone else a user wants from their iPhone. Jailbreaking can be a bit harder with the patent Apple wants called “Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device,” making sure jailbreaking locks down an iPhone.

Jailbreaking leaving personal data accessible to anyone

Apple has a fantastic story when trying to convince people not to jailbreak their iPhones. This is that personal details is accessible to identity thieves when an iPhone has been jailbroken. Apple’s proposed patent identifies numerous ways that unauthorized users could activate a jailbroken iPhone’s camera remotely, or track geotagging info and other private data. Users are told by Apple the patent will keep them safe. If it is approved, Apple will be allowed to lock down iPhones that are jailbroken.

Apple just like Big Brother

If a user’s iPhone instantly shows a rise in memory usage, The Register suggests, then Apple could identify the phone as having been jailbroken, as such activity is, in Apple’s estimation, consistent with hacking programs. Unlocking an iPhone (opening it up so that it could be used on cellular networks other than AT and T) would also be detectable if Apple’s patent is approved. ”Thieves in transit” is what Apple is trying to detect when tapping an iPhone’s accelerometer. This helps Apple determine, according to the Register, which iPhones have “fraudulent use.” Thus, the company believes that such new security actions as required voice-print identification is necessary, although technical experts and consumer rights groups are having a field day with that idea.

Who can active your iPhone camera with this patent?

This patent would make it possible for Apple to activate your iPhone camera. Imagine yourself in a world where Steve Jobs can see what you are doing at any time. Do you really think it is a good idea to let Apple have the control of being able to turn your cameras on and see what you are doing at any time? Steve Jobs might have an opinion on your situation.

Additional reading

The Register

theregister.co.uk/2010/08/20/apple_jailbreak_patent/



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