The Apple iPhone could be storing detailed information on the comings and goings of users and loading to their computers when they synchronize their digital devices, say two British security researchers.
A program on the geographic coordinates of smartphone records and timestamp, which are then downloaded to the hard disk of the user, means that anyone with access to this drive could determine where a person was and when.
"Apple, it made it possible for almost all the world - a jealous spouse, a private detective - with access to your computer to obtain detailed information on where you've been or telephone"Pete Warden, one of the researchers, said the newspaper The Guardian.""
Warden, with researcher Alasdair Allan, announced their discovery at the technology conference where 2.0 in Santa Clara, California, Wednesday.
Attempts to contact Apple were not successful, and the company issued a statement on the claims.
Allan and park wardens have set up a website describing in detail how the information is recorded, where he is and measures that may be taken to protect the information, including encryption of data.
In a blog on Radar O'Reilly, a technology Web site, they said that the data collection feature seems to have emerged with the release of iOS 4 in June 2010.
Allan and Wardan said data does not spread anywhere elsewhere but are normally stored in an unprotected format. He is also transferred to a new phone from Apple when this device is synchronized with the computer.
"We are not sure why Apple is collects these data, but it is clearly intentional, as the database is being restored through backups and even migration of device,"they wrote.""
David Senf, Director of IDC Canada, a telecoms infrastructure solutions and it services, said company he is not surprised by finding Allan and Wardan. It is part of the "ongoing saga" controversy of data collection, he said.
"There is a multitude of applications that support your info," Senf said, adding that mobile carriers already keep track of your location. However, this information is supposed to be stored in a location that is secure and accessible only by order of the Court.
"On the scale of things that I am concerned, I'm much less worried about it," he said.
The real problem is if the pirates are able to access your computer, he said.
Senf said that this underscores the need for consumers and businesses to use encryption software to protect data of potential cyberattacks.
A BBC News Online article, the company can legitimately claim to have the right to the data, based on its terms and conditions.
"We may collect information such as occupation, language, code postal, indicative, unique device identifier, location and timezone where an Apple product is used so that we can better understand customer behavior and improve our products."", services and advertising" the document said.
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