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NiqueXyZ Author

Level 1

8 points

Why is my iphone tracking my location to a secret database, wifi access points and cell towers?

Source:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/apr/20/iphone-tracking-prompts-privacy -fears http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/researchers-find-ios-4-records-your-location- in-system-file-syn/

Summary:

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.

What I want to know is how I can turn this off? I do NOT want this location tracked and I consider this a violation of my privacy as this is done WITHOUT my consent. Please provide a solution to TURN THIS TRACKING OFF.

Posted on Apr 20, 2011 4:57 PM

71 replies

NiqueXyZ Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2011 1:11 PM in response to carl wolf

Did I say ANYTHING about restitution being owed to end users?

I believe they should do what Google did; make a large donation to a non-for profit consumer privacy advocate organization.

Although what they did was a LOT worse than Google, so the sum should be much greater.

The ignorance among apple fanboys, although comical at times, is astounding.

tonefox

Level 6

9,362 points

Apr 28, 2011 1:07 PM in response to carl wolf

Carl, the phrase you seek is "Because you're worth it". 😀

Apr 28, 2011 1:16 PM in response to NiqueXyZ

The data in the actual file is far more accurate than what the online programs show you, they even tell you the locations have been made inaccurate for security reasons

NiqueXyZ Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2011 1:22 PM in response to DavidK2010

Correct. Although when I checked mine I got a few hits on places I've never been (I confirmed the coordinates directly from the file)....but 99% of it was dead on accurate. Does anyone know if this illegally collected data has ever been used in a court case (for prosecutor or defendant)? It would be interesting to find out.

Also to the above (above) commenter -- Apple has every right to delete comments -- it's their website, they can censor whatever they want.

tonefox

Level 6

9,362 points

Apr 28, 2011 1:30 PM in response to NiqueXyZ

NiqueXyZ wrote:

Did I say ANYTHING about restitution being owed to end users?

Well, yes, unless you want to really get down to symantics:

"Could be, but here's the killer from their PR release:

7. When I turn off Location Services, why does my iPhone sometimes continue updating its Wi-Fi and cell tower data from Apple's crowd-sourced database?

Answer: It shouldn't. This is a bug, which we plan to fix shortly (see Software Update section below).

They voilated the terms of the agreement by updating the tracking database even when you turn location services off. It clearly says that you can opt out by turning location services off.

Bug or not, that's a big problem.

I believe restitution is owed."

It's only a few posts ago. You can't miss it.

NiqueXyZ Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2011 1:35 PM in response to tonefox

Where did I say anything about something being owed to me directly or anything about something being owed directly to end users, which is what carl implied?

Oh wait, I didn't. Go worship your apple products.

Also, what's "symantics" ?

It's "semantics" -- Suggestion -- get a spell check, and also learn how to read, and don't assume things that aren't directly stated.

tonefox

Level 6

9,362 points

Apr 28, 2011 1:34 PM in response to NiqueXyZ

OK - I'm about 60 years too old to attempt to discuss at this level. Enjoy yourself.

Apr 28, 2011 1:36 PM in response to NiqueXyZ

Your quote ...

"... Also to the above (above) commenter -- Apple has every right to delete comments -- it's their website, they can censor whatever they want. ..."

Seems like "targeted censoring" ... To me. :-)

Just this article link.

Apr 28, 2011 2:42 PM in response to DavidK2010

I don't use Iphone 4 camera. It`s not a camera, it's just a toy.

My canon camera do not have a gps.... ;-)

I like this bug! I would like that apple give-me a chance to have the bug working... ;-)

Apr 29, 2011 12:41 PM in response to paulofrombrazil

It would be much easier to take a pic on your canon and your iphone just for the gps info

Apr 29, 2011 1:21 PM in response to DavidK2010

I prefer to take pictures with my camera and do not spend my field time taking pictures just for geocode. I really would like to have a geocoder attached to my camera but there is no one available for my camera model.

I like the bug! Useful for me.

Vossing

Level 1

0 points

Apr 30, 2011 11:13 AM in response to NiqueXyZ

Big questions about security and personal integrity ends up with questions about gps, cameras and Canon. This is a ridiculous place!!!

Apr 30, 2011 11:25 AM in response to Vossing

what's even funnier is, Apple sends me an eMail stating my post regarding another link was removed because it didn't follow the guide-lines of a support related post.... (Your First Warning)

so, why hasn't this entire thread been deleted?

No support related posts here, only rants about THIS tracking "bug"

Hi Apple, you can delete my account here now, I tried to do it myself but no "delete button" exists.

No real support happens here anyway, even from your TECH support phone lines.😁

Apr 30, 2011 12:28 PM in response to Vossing

Vossing wrote:

Big questions about security and personal integrity ends up with questions about gps, cameras and Canon. This is a ridiculous place!!!

Chill out 😝

Apr 30, 2011 1:32 PM in response to SeniorDesignTECH

I read the link you posted that apple removed.... very interesting, if its true Apple and its iphone will just fade away.

Why is my iphone tracking my location to a secret database, wifi access points and cell towers?