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Is Apple Tracking iPhone Users Through IMEI?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the putting-on-the-foil-hats dept.

ariefwn writes ""As I sit here applying a new layer of Reynolds tin foil to my international hat of conspiracy, its been proven that Apple tracks iPhone usage and tracks IMEI numbers of all their iPhones worldwide. Hidden in the code of the 'Stocks' and 'Weather' widgets is a string that sends the IMEI of your phone to a specialized URL that Apple collects. I wonder if there will be any implications to owners of hacked iPhones..."

6 of 218 comments (clear)

  1. Yes, and the problem is? by LiquidCoooled · · Score: 5, Informative

    You signed an agreement when you bought the device.

    When you interact with Apple, we may collect personal information relevant to the situation, such as your name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and contact preferences; your credit card information and information about the Apple products you own, such as their serial numbers and date of purchase; and information relating to a support or service issue.

    However people will expect this to be at manual support time and not all the time.

    --
    liqbase :: faster than paper
    1. Re:Yes, and the problem is? by wattrlz · · Score: 5, Funny

      And if someone got it off eBay? In that case they can probably afford to sue.
  2. Just a few more minutes... by mattgreen · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm waiting for someone to respond with an eight page analysis of why this isn't really a big deal, complete with immaculate formatting and excellent grammar. Then everyone simply looks at the length of the post and says, "aha! see, it ISN'T a problem! Not that I read it all, but I'm with *this* guy!"

    Don't let me down.

    1. Re:Just a few more minutes... by Valiss · · Score: 5, Funny

      I didn't read the whole thing, but I'm with that guy.

      --

      -Valiss
  3. Well... by abaddononion · · Score: 5, Funny

    At least it's Apple tracking you, not AT&T?

    Wait...

  4. Re:Tracking? by kybred · · Score: 5, Informative

    The IMEI number is there to facilitate identifying mobile devices to the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) for the purpose of charging for services.

    No, that would be the IMSI. The IMEI just identifies what equipment you are using.