For iPhone Users: You're Being Tracked

I just read an article this morning about how it has been revealed that iPhones track the owner's location and stores data about their whereabouts without their knowledge.

Surprise, surprise.

Color me jaded, but ever since the advent of the GPS and the various related apps available, I've been waiting for this.  There are so many devices and applications where we're compromising personal information that I'm actually surprised it's taken this long to be revealed. It's easy information just begging to be archived...which, apparently, is happening...

"The unauthorized surveillance started in June 2010, when the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system was released, according to two researchers who say they discovered a hidden tracking file and posted it out of concern for users.

Apple has not responded to the allegations.

The researchers have posted a program online that will let any iPhone user see a map of his or her location over time, going back to June, when iOS 4.0 was released."

My question is this: Are you REALLY surprised?

Just as hackers are constantly trying to get Google's Krabby Patty formula and are trying to compromise the security of social media sites, bank sites, etc., there are also factions who want as much info on us as they can get. Info we may not necessarily want to share with strangers. Info we readily share through registration, etc. when we can have all the entertainment we could ever want in the palm of our hand.

Think about it. My son's iPod touch is registered on my computer. If he were to plug it in to another computer the memory would be erased, the device would be locked and it would be reported as stolen to Apple. Sounds like good protection on the surface, and in a way it is, but it also allows tracking of ownership if the device were to change hands permanently.

The bottom line...don't be paranoid or fearful. Just be aware of what you're buying and the apps you're using. All of this cool GPS and map stuff isn't possible unless the people you bought your device from can track/pinpoint where you are. When you think about it, it's not surprising. It's just that most of us are trusting and don't think about these covert tactics. Just be aware:)

Click anywhere on the quoted text above to read the whole article on CNN.com.

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