Apple Patent Seeks To Lock Up Jailbroken IPhones
Saturday, September 4th, 2010Jailbreaking your iPhone is presently 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 reports that the technology giant has applied for a patent “covering an elaborate series of measures” that will “protect iPhone owners from thieves” and other non-authorized users. The patent is called “Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device,” and will make sure a user’s iPhone gets locked down supposedly with jailbreaking exploits.
Anyone can see a jailbroken iPhone’s info
Apple has an excellent story when trying to convince people not to jailbreak their iPhones. This is that personal info 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 that the patent will keep them safe. If it is approved, Apple will be allowed to lock down iPhones that are jailbroken.
Is Apple watching everybody?
The Register explains that Apple identifies iPhones that have a sudden increase in memory usage as jailbroken which is like many hacking programs. Unlocking an iPhone (opening it up so that it can 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, as outlined by the Register, which iPhones have “fraudulent use.” Technical experts and consumer rights groups do not like the suggestion Apple has made at putting security actions to the phone like possible voice-print identification.
Who can start camera with a new patent?
Apple will be able to activate your iPhone camera if the patent is approved. Anywhere you are, somebody can see you. Steve Jobs will always have that access. Regardless of how much you like the style and convenience of Apple devices, do you want Apple to be able to turn on your camera at any time it chooses? Steve Jobs could know more about your life than anything else at that point.
Additional reading
The Register
theregister.co.uk/2010/08/20/apple_jailbreak_patent/

