Copyright laws say jailbreaking your iPhone is currently legal , Apple is pretty 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. Unwanted users won’t be able to get on one’s iPhone with a patent “covering an elaborate series of measures” that is designed to “protect iPhone owners from thieves” reports the Register. That patent, entitled “Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device,” would protect Apple liability in jailbreaking exploits, but it would also allegedly lock down a user’s phone
Data from iPhones given out with jailbreaking
Apple has a great story when trying to convince individuals not to jailbreak their iPhones. This is that personal information is accessible to identity thieves when an iPhone has been jailbroken. Apple’s proposed patent identifies numerous ways that unauthorized users could activate a jailbroken iPhone’s camera remotely, or track geotagging info and other private data. Any jailbroken iPhone would get locked down by Apple if the patent is approved which Apple states is really just making the user safe.
Apple keeps an eye out
Hacking programs generally show an increase of memory usage all the sudden. This is why, according to 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 will be able to detect which of its phones do that as well. The Register also explains that “fraudulent use” of the iPhone can be detected by simply checking the accelerometer on the iPhone to see if it was carried by “thieves in transit.” Technical experts and consumer rights groups do not like the suggestion Apple has made at putting security actions to the phone like possible voice-print identification.
Camera rights with patent
Your iPhone camera can be used by more than just you. Apple could 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. It is just a little scary to think of Apple having the power to view you all the time. Is that really something you want? Steve Jobs may have an opinion on your situation.
The Register
theregister.co.uk/2010/08/20/apple_jailbreak_patent/
