Five myths and fallacies about the iPhone's location record

Too many things have been said recently after the news that the iPhone (and 1 or 2 iPad 3G) geolocation data collected , ie, keeps track of all the places visited by the device. Many of these are exaggerations product of ignorance, to assume facts that have not been proven, a misinterpretation of what is the data or simply the effect of "phone tag" that exists between media.

Here are five myths and fallacies about the iPhone's location record:

1. Alasdair Allan and Pete Warden discovered the file consolidated.db (where you store all data on location.)
   In fact their existence was revealed it six months . Why so much attention now called? Because it was presented at a conference along with the software that put these points on a map. Showing that the alarm is not generated by concern (we had been for six months), but alarmist headlines.

2. If you backup data on iPhone is very easy to get from the saved file on your computer
   False. iTunes allows you to encrypt the backups made ​​from mobile devices supporting (iPhone, iPod touch and IPAD), therefore these data can not be read by anyone who obtains the file unless you have the password that you've assigned. Nor is there any way to get data from an iPhone or iPad if you connect to a computer that is not proper to obtain such information if you have put a password on your mobile device . Therefore, even if you steal it (if you put a password) no way of obtaining such data stored on the phone (or IPAD).

3. The file keeps data obtained through GPS or iPad iPhone
   Another lie reported in different media. What records are locations of phone masts to which the phone is connected. Therefore, the aim is not to record the user's location but have a record of the antennas used, its power, signal quality and location. One of the main objectives of the phone manufacturers are always relishing the best signal possible, this data helps the device is always connected to the best antenna. And in the future, do not have to go back to look for, you know exactly where it is. And oh surprise, this information also have telephone operators. Maybe you should not be worrying about the file to your phone (which only you have control) but how your data are treated by service providers.

4. Apple kept secret intentions
   These days we see journalists, media, opinion makers, governments and politicians are demanding Apple to explain in detail the politics of location data collection. Turns out the company and offered quite detailed explanations-past-the July 12, 2010 by letter to Rep. Edward J. Markey and Rep. Joe Barton.

5. Apple may know where I am at all times
   That would be the biggest fallacy of all. Many are blaming the wrong. Starting Places because if you use Facebook, Foursquare, Gowalla and geolocation services and are sharing much more information, and above all detailed. Unlike consolidated.db or information collected by your telephone operator, the data published on social networks generally are made ​​public (for the same users). But it can be even worse, there are many, many mobile applications that are regularly sending physical location information to their servers (and you gave them permission when you opened for the first time and vote.)

The principle of Occam's razor is applicable in this case. What is more likely that Apple wants to know the location of the 100 million people with an iPhone or that the company has a database to improve the signal and accelerate the discovery of cells? Whereas we are talking about a phone, the second case I find the explanation simple, easy and probable.

And the reality is that there are things far more severe, more immediate and above all more dangerous why worry when it comes to our privacy. I will give just one example: Do you usually connect to Wi-Fi networks without protection from your phone when you walk in the street at a cafe, an event or conference? Know that it is too easy to get all traffic flowing through the open network to get your passwords, authenticated sessions on social networking and other services? No need to be the administrator of the access point, anyone can do, takes about two minutes: download a add-on for Firefox and install it. That's it. Are you connecting to Wi-Fi networks without protection and I trust them? That, however, if it seems serious. Encrypt the connection through a VPN should be a basic step in any person connected to the Internet from public places.

Image: Dave Nakayama

Five myths and fallacies about the iPhone's location record written in ALT1040 April 25, 2011 by Eduardo Arcos
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