New information shows that Apple are recording and tracking the locations of its iPhone and iPad users secretly.
Researchers have discovered that the longitude and latitude values of your iPhone’s location are recorded and stored in a hidden file within the iOS 4 software version. When you hook your iPhone or iPad up to your laptop or desktop, the file is uploaded to Apple’s servers via iTunes without your knowledge.
Along with the Longitude and Latitude values, each location capture is timestamped. You can even get your hands on a free piece of PC software called iPhonetracker which will take the hidden file and show your locations on a map, with pins to highlight recorded locations.
The obvious worry here is that the files are recorded on both your iOS device and then onto your PC. Should either fall into the wrong hands, your locations can be viewed and tracked and therefore possibly used for no good. For the average person who goes around town minding their own business, this may not be a problem, but for celebrities, executives of major companies and such, it could become a huge worry.
If you happen to be an iPhone or iPad user who has Jailbroken your device, thankfully an ex-Apple employee has developed a neat tool which deletes the recorded file and prevents iOS from making any future records of your location. It’s called ‘Untrackerd’, and you can download it for free right now from Cydia. I’ve already done so, and I would recommend that you do the same!
What do you think of Apple’s sneaky shenanigans? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below or tweeting us @Gadget_Helpline.