The modern moguls of the mobile world, Apple and Google, have both admitted that they can and do track mobile devices using their independent operating systems along with GPS from a mobile carrier. (Subsequent statements deny these claims.) This has sparked debate as many see the action as a “big brother” invasion of privacy. The Senate has called a hearing with executives of both Google and Apple to discuss the privacy concerns along with members of the FTC. The FTC is advocating “Do Not Track” features on mobile devices much like the features now found on web browsers.
Apple claims they are not tracking users but harvesting user information pertaining to cell towers and Wi-Fi network positions. Whether the tracking software is nefarious or benign is the matter of debate. It’s obvious that these “features” could be used for both beneficial or invasive purposes.
Arguments for the former include SocialPass, an iPhone app that is taking advantage of GPS location to offer discounts and deals based on the user’s location right here in Philly. Also, in January of this year, police were able to capture a criminal by using the GPS in the phone he stole from his victim in Upper Darby. Arguments against could include fear of stalkers, ex-spouses or others with ill intent who might like to track your whereabouts.
But don’t panic yet. The tracking by Apple on their mobile devices is stored in an unencrypted file on your mobile device and desktop or laptop if you sync devices. Although it’s not encrypted, it’s not readily accessible unless someone were to steal or hack your device.
Sony and Facebook are also under fire for failure to safeguard the private information of its users. A hack of Sony’s Playstation allowed thousands of users’ data to be compromised. A security breach in Facebook gave nearly 100,000 advertisers and 3rd party applications access to personal profiles, photos and chats according to Symantic, although it’s likely they weren’t aware they had access. Facebook has since rectified the problem. Facebook’s proliferation has tempted numerous unscrupulous persons to attempt hacking users’ accounts, so be careful.
Technology has become commonplace today and provides numerous advantages but it also poses a risk to your personal information. Weigh the risks to benefit ratio to decide what you use and share. One of the most common safeguards often ignored is managing your passwords. It bears repeating: use strong passwords and change them regularly.
In other news, Microsoft spent a whopping $8.5 billion to acquire Skype, the popular VOIP software that allows users to engage in voice or video conversations for free or connect to a phone for pennies. It plans to incorporate Skype in many of it’s products. Meanwhile, LinkedIn stocks went from $45/share to $94.25/share in it’s first day on the NYSE. 110% in one day? Not bad.
