Jailbreaking your iPhone is presently legal as outlined by U.S. copyright officials, but that doesn’t mean that Apple is happy to sit back while users break free of their proprietary corporate mold and utilize the full potential of the handheld device. As outlined by the Register, a patent that Apple seeks will be “covering an elaborate series of measures” in order to “protect iPhone owners from thieves” and other users that are unwanted. The patent is called “Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device,” and will make certain a user’s iPhone gets locked down supposedly with jailbreaking exploits
Jailbreaking leaving personal data accessible to anyone
Apple has the story it says when talking about jailbreaking iPhones which is that personal data is given to many when jailbreaking an iPhone. 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 could be allowed to lock down iPhones that are jailbroken.
Apple and Big Brother one within the same
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 could be used on cellular networks other than AT and T) would also be detectable if Apple’s patent is approved. The Register also explains that “fraudulent use” of the iPhone can be detected by simply checking the accelerometer on the iPhone to see if it was carried by “thieves in transit.” Thus, the company believes that such new security measures as required voice-print identification is necessary, although technical experts and consumer rights groups are having a field day with that idea.
Who can start camera with a new patent?
This patent would make it possible for Apple to activate your iPhone camera. Anywhere you are, someone can see you. Steve Jobs will always have that access. It is just a little scary to think of Apple having the power to view you all the time. Is that really something you want? Steve Jobs could know more about your life than anything else at that point.
Find more information on this subject
The Register
theregister.co.uk/2010/08/20/apple_jailbreak_patent/
