Jailbroken iPhones stopped with a patent Apple seeks

Jailbreaking your iPhone is presently legal as outlined by U.S. copyright officials, but that does not mean that Apple is happy to sit back when users break free of their proprietary corporate mold and utilize the full potential of the handheld device. Unwanted users won’t be able to get on one’s iPhone with a patent “covering an elaborate series of measures” that is intended to “protect iPhone owners from thieves” reports the Register. The patent is called “Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device,” and will make certain a user’s iPhone gets locked down supposedly with jailbreaking exploits.

Data from iPhones given out with jailbreaking

Jailbreaking your iPhone makes your personal data accessible to identity thieves; that’s Apple’s story, and also the company is sticking to it when it comes to the iPhone and jailbreaking. Private data such as geotagging or also being able to turn on an iPhone’s camera is much easier when the iPhone has been jailbroken, says Apple. Users are told by Apple that the patent will keep them safe. If it is approved, Apple will be allowed to lock down iPhones that have been jailbroken.

Is Apple watching every person?

Hacking programs typically show an increase of memory usage all the sudden. This is why, as outlined by the Register, Apple tags phones that have that same increase as ones that are jailbroken. If the patent is approved, Apple will also be able to see which iPhones are unlocked to work on other networks besides AT and T. The Register reports that Apple would also be able to detect “fraudulent use” by tapping into the iPhone’s accelerometer to determine whether the device is being carried by “thieves in transit.” Technical experts and consumer rights groups don’t like the suggestion Apple has made at putting security measures into the phone like possible voice-print identification.

Who can active your iPhone camera with this patent?

Your iPhone camera could be used by more than just you. Apple will be able to activate the camera as well. Imagine yourself in a world where Steve Jobs can see what you are doing at any time. Regardless of how much you like the style and convenience of Apple devices, do you need Apple to be able to turn on your camera at any time it chooses? Perhaps Steve Jobs won’t approve of what you are doing.

More on this topic

The Register

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