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Apple patents tech to let cops switch off iPhone video, camera and wi-fi

JamesCanby

Activist Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
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Alexandria, VA at www.NoVA-MDSelfDefense.com
"Apple has patented a piece of technology which would allow government and police to block transmission of information, including video and photographs, from any public gathering or venue they deem “sensitive”, and “protected from externalities.” *In other words, these powers will have control over what can and cannot be documented on wireless devices during any public event. And while the company says the affected sites are to be mostly cinemas, theaters, concert grounds and similar locations, Apple Inc. also says “covert police or government operations may require complete ‘blackout’ conditions.”

http://rt.com/news/apple-patent-transmission-block-408/

Good reason, another good reason, to shun Apple.

It's not just Apple. When we go to the Kennedy Center here in DC, they don't bother to make the usual announcement to turn off all cell phones before the performance ... because they have a cell-signal-killer that kills all of the phones when you enter the Concert Hall. It affects all phones and service providers, not just iPhones.
 

notalawyer

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1,061
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Florida
It's not just Apple. When we go to the Kennedy Center here in DC, they don't bother to make the usual announcement to turn off all cell phones before the performance ... because they have a cell-signal-killer that kills all of the phones when you enter the Concert Hall. It affects all phones and service providers, not just iPhones.

Ask them to provide you with a copy of the FCC authorization for this.
 

davidmcbeth

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Jan 14, 2012
Messages
16,167
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earth's crust
It's not just Apple. When we go to the Kennedy Center here in DC, they don't bother to make the usual announcement to turn off all cell phones before the performance ... because they have a cell-signal-killer that kills all of the phones when you enter the Concert Hall. It affects all phones and service providers, not just iPhones.

that so you don't record?
 

stealthyeliminator

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2008
Messages
3,100
Location
Texas
Ask them to provide you with a copy of the FCC authorization for this.

No joke. Please, seriously ask them this.

Apple is not the only one developing software like this, I assure you. I personally hate Apple as a company, but others are not necessarily comprised of a bunch of saints, either.
 
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KBCraig

Regular Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
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Location
Granite State of Mind
Meanwhile, police can just switch on your Android phone's microphone and listen in, whether you're on the phone or not.

I recall when this first came out some time ago, that Apple was throwing a sop to movie and music companies who want to be able to stop recording of movies and concerts -- they're still stuck in the mindset of recording music off the radio on cassette tapes.

Apple patents a lot of stuff that never sees the light of day.
 
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stealthyeliminator

Regular Member
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Dec 29, 2008
Messages
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Texas
Meanwhile, police can just switch on your Android phone's microphone and listen in, whether you're on the phone or not.

I recall when this first came out some time ago, that Apple was throwing a sop to movie and music companies who want to be able to stop recording of movies and concerts -- they're still stuck in the mindset of recording music off the radio on cassette tapes.

Apple patents a lot of stuff that never sees the light of day.

Do you have a link on the Android bit? I'm surprised to read this having not known of any such ability.
 

JustaShooter

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2013
Messages
728
Location
NE Ohio
Do you have a link on the Android bit? I'm surprised to read this having not known of any such ability.

It was in the news recently, but they can't just control any Android device, they have to get a piece of software loaded on it - in other words, it's malware of some kind not the ability to directly own or control any device.
 

JustaShooter

Regular Member
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Jul 26, 2013
Messages
728
Location
NE Ohio
Unless you are an Apple Executive and have a counter-counter device. :)

No joke. Please, seriously ask them this.

Apple is not the only one developing software like this, I assure you. I personally hate Apple as a company, but others are not necessarily comprised of a bunch of saints, either.

Indeed, because according to the FCC, it is illegal: http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/jamming-cell-phones-and-gps-equipment-against-law
 

KBCraig

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Granite State of Mind
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