So just how private is your coveted Apple iPhone? New research uncovered this week revealed that a file located on every iPhone called “consolidated.db” collects and stores data about every position and usage of the iPhone. Check out the investigative report above that delves further into the technology. Here are some facts that you should know according to CNN:
How does the iPhone collect this location data?
It uses cell phone towers to triangulate an approximate location. This isn’t as accurate as GPS, which uses satellites to pinpoint a phone’s whereabouts.
How often is a location recorded?
At seemingly random intervals, but fairly often, according to Pete Warden and Alasdair Allan, the researchers and journalists who publicized this secret location file.
Where is this data stored?
On the mobile device and on the computer the device is synced to.
Who has access to it?
In theory, only you. Apple does not appear to have access to this data, at least not on a real-time basis, according to the researchers. So it appears the company doesn’t know where you are right now.
Mobile phone companies also collect this type of data, but, as the researchers point out, that data “normally requires a court order to gain access to it, whereas this is available to anyone who can get their hands on your phone or computer.”
The location file is unencrypted, so anyone with access to your phone or computer could, in theory, get access to it and know where you’ve been. The researchers, in their report, say Apple has “made it possible for anyone from a jealous spouse to a private investigator to get a detailed picture of your movements.”
Find out if someone can steal the data after the jump.
Could someone steal this data?
It’s possible someone could look at this file and know where you’ve been since June. But they would have to gain access to your phone or your computer, where the consolidated.db file is stored.
The researchers see little risk in this, but they note that there are more questions than answers when it comes to who can see this stuff and why it’s collected and stored on phones and computers in the first place.
They write: “Don’t panic. … There’s no immediate harm that would seem to come from the availability of this data. Nor is there evidence to suggest this data is leaving your custody. But why this data is stored and how Apple intends to use it — or not — are important questions that need to be explored.”
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I care… Thats creepy with a capital K, that they know where we are all the time. Cyber Stalking!!!
know they dont it says apple does not have the ability to read this info and so what if they did.
Cyber Stalking? most of you people check in on facebook every time you go somewhere or tweet.
MATE… I dont use that 4square, or laction stuff when im on fb or twitter! but thats coz i have a brain… Little kids nowadays have iphones and stuff (here in the UK they do, i dunno about america) and they probably use the location servies, and that defo aint a good thing!!! If they arent using the data, or looking at it. Whats the need for it? its just silly
everytime u sync up to itunes it sends back that info to the mothership (apple).
i downloaded a software program called “little snitch” (seriously thats the name) and i was amazed at how many times my itunes were request access to my computer without the itune software being open.
so i do believe that apple is collecting info from that file.
my opinion.
the program advises you when anyone is trying to remotely access your computer, and blocks it.
android does the same thing!
but…u can turn that off LOL!
DROIIDD!!
paranoid people…your car has GPS, there’s cameras everywhere you look, every time you swipe your debit card it places you at a location, when you use your cell phone it hits a tower and places you somewhere….who/what are you hiding from?