That code just appears to be a wrapper for converting the SQLite database into a map, I dont think it really *explains* what the significance of the data is and how a location on the map translates to real usage.
It would appear that the location data is downloaded from Apple inside a HTTPS session, I am working on getting a look inside this but have so far had little time to complete further work due to other commitments.
As an example of the information recorded under controlled conditions, I joined a single access point on a freshly restored iPad. I had location services turned off and airplane mode switched on. I never moved from my office chair, the phone was also connected to a cell tower using 3G on O2. By just joining the wireless access point my ipad was populated with 379 access point locations and 122 cell tower locations.
From my office I can see at a push 4 wifi access points and some of the cell towers were 22KM away. There is no way I would connect to some of the cell towers or access points recorded from where I am located.
I am still working on getting to the bottom of this and hope to have something more definitive on paper soon.
Widgit and I are of the opinion that these two researchers and the press are being perhaps a little overzealous about something that has a kilometer fudge factor to it.
Still… its not what you know, its who gets the credit. Or something.
Widgit and I are of the opinion that these two researchers and the press are being perhaps a little overzealous about something that has a kilometer fudge factor to it.
Still… its not what you know, its who gets the credit. Or something.
I don't think it's the accuracy of the data that concerns people rather the underhanded way in which it's being collected.
Even if I did want to use location aware services are such services likely to need a record of my location for the past several years since I purchased my first iPhone? Probably not.
Widgit and I are of the opinion that these two researchers and the press are being perhaps a little overzealous about something that has a kilometer fudge factor to it.
Still… its not what you know, its who gets the credit. Or something.
I don't think it's the accuracy of the data that concerns people rather the underhanded way in which it's being collected.
Even if I did want to use location aware services are such services likely to need a record of my location for the past several years since I purchased my first iPhone? Probably not.
I cant see how its underhanded? Poorly explained maybe… It isnt like the data is hidden or obfuscated in someway, its there for everyone to look at.
Is the iPhone tracking users? Yes to a point but then again so is Facebook, Google, your cell phone provider and your ISP. Its all part and parcel of using modern tech.
I just wish these so called "researchers" would actually detail what the data means rather than cooking up some nice maps that look nice on page 6 of the DailyMail or something but then again it isnt my name in lights on the BBC D
I cant see how its underhanded? Poorly explained maybe… It isnt like the data is hidden or obfuscated in someway, its there for everyone to look at.
Underhanded from the user perspective in the sense that it's hidden from their view and they wouldn't intuitively expect such information to be collected and stored unless they'd specifically enabled location awareness. Of course there are plenty of things that a UI hides from the user in order to simplify interaction, but most of those things don't have privacy concerns attached.
I think its fair to say that most users would be aware that their device maintains a history of calls and/or websites visited and most phones therefore give users some control over this e.g. the ability to delete the history or limit the period for which it's stored or even providing an 'anonymous browsing' option. (Of course, the method by which such records are deleted may not put them beyond recovery, but that's another issue.) Evidently there may now be a case for some similar configuration options covering location based information.
That manufacturers of hardware and software should recognise and address the legitimate expectations of privacy of their users may be an inconvenient truth for forensic practitioners but I'd argue that the alternative is more unpalatable for society as a whole.
Wait till you see what you can do with wireless internet history stored by windows.
Widgit and I are of the opinion that these two researchers and the press are being perhaps a little overzealous about something that has a kilometer fudge factor to it.
Still… its not what you know, its who gets the credit. Or something.
I don't think it's the accuracy of the data that concerns people rather the underhanded way in which it's being collected.
Even if I did want to use location aware services are such services likely to need a record of my location for the past several years since I purchased my first iPhone? Probably not.
If you watch the
Whilst they don't know if the phone was used less on the way back it isn't too much of an idea to assume the data isn't recorded because the required data is still stored in the database.
I'm not knocking what these guys have done, their maps are very well put together. I just think it should have undergone further controlled testing before the press release. Further interesting reading on the issue
As a story it has been one of the leading features on Sky News and at one point was the most read story on the BBC Website.
WSJ online is reporting that the information, or some variation of the information, is making its way back to Apple (and on Android devices back to Google).
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The device requests information from an apple server, in order to get the relevant wifi aps or cell towers, the device needs to tell the server roughly where it is.