Jailbroken IPhones Stopped With A Patent Apple Seeks

Posted on 01 September 2010

Copyright laws say jailbreaking your iPhone is currently legal , although Apple is quite mad about all of the stuff going on with their iPhone devices they have put together. Apple wants their technology to be exclusive to itself. As outlined by the Register, a patent that Apple seeks could be “covering an elaborate series of measures” in order to “protect iPhone owners from thieves” and other users that are unwanted. Any iPhones can be locked down if jailbreaking exploits occur under this new Apple patent. This patent is called “Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device.” Source for this article – Apple patent seeks to lock up jailbroken iPhones by Personal Money Store.

Anybody can see a jailbroken iPhone’s info

Apple has a fantastic story when trying to convince individuals not to jailbreak their iPhones. This is that personal info is accessible to identity thieves when an iPhone has been jailbroken. Private data such as geotagging or also being able to turn on an iPhone’s camera is easier when the iPhone has been jailbroken, says Apple. Users are told by Apple the patent will keep them safe. If it is approved, Apple could be allowed to lock down iPhones that are jailbroken.

Apple just like Big Brother

Hacking programs generally show an increase of memory usage all the sudden. This is why, as outlined by the Register, Apple tags phones that have that exact same increase as ones that are jailbroken. Unlocking an iPhone means it could be used on other networks besides AT and T. If the patent goes through, Apple could be able to detect which of its phones do that as well. “Thieves in transit” is what Apple is trying to detect when tapping an iPhone’s accelerometer. This helps Apple figure out, according to the Register, which iPhones have “fraudulent use.” 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.

Camera rights with patent

Your iPhone camera can be used by more than just you. Apple can be able to activate the camera as well. 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 look at you all the time. Is that really something you want? Steve Jobs might have an opinion on your situation.

Additional reading

The Register

theregister.co.uk/2010/08/20/apple_jailbreak_patent/

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