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US Says Plane Finder App Threatens Security

Posted by samzenpus on from the dial-D-for-danger dept.

ProgramErgoSum writes "The Plane Finder AR application, developed by a British firm for the Apple iPhone and Google's Android, allows users to point their phone at the sky and see the position, height and speed of nearby aircraft. It also shows the airline, flight number, departure point, destination and even the likely course-the features which could be used to target an aircraft with a surface-to-air missile, or to direct another plane on to a collision course, the 'Daily Mail' reported. The program, sold for just 1.79 pounds in the online Apple store, has now been labelled an 'aid to terrorists' by security experts and the US Department of Homeland Security is also examining how to protect airliners. The new application works by intercepting the so-called Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcasts (ADS-B) transmitted by most passenger aircraft to a new satellite tracking system that supplements or, in some countries, replaces radar."

9 of 524 comments (clear)

  1. OMG by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Troll

    This is like totally bad and stuff.

  2. US Department of Homeland Security by kimvette · · Score: 1, Troll

    US Department of Homeland Security is also examining how to protect airliners

    Here's an idea: How about protecting the borders and allowing ICE to deport illegal aliens who are already here? That would be a great first step.

    --
    The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
    1. Re: US Department of Homeland Security by Rod+Beauvex · · Score: 1, Troll

      I'm unemployed. I have no money. I want to live just like everyone else. By your argument, it's ok for me to steal.

    2. Re: US Department of Homeland Security by TRRosen · · Score: 0, Troll

      Well actually, they are all criminals. Thats sort of why they are called illegals. and any economist will tell you every one of them takes money out of your pocket. Simple supply and demand.

  3. Re:Huh? by Alain+Williams · · Score: 1, Troll

    My kneejerk reaction was that the government is being fucking stupid.

    The government is not being stupid ... talk up another story about terrorists ... keep the population worried about being blown up by [insert current bad boys here]. A population that is scared is easier to abuse and keep under control.

  4. What about the satellite tracking apps? by f3rret · · Score: 1, Troll

    The App store has got a bunch of satellite tracking apps, couldn't those be used to aim an anti-satellite missiles and usher in a new age of SPACE TERRORISM!?

    --
    Admit nothing. Deny Everything. Make Counter-accusations.
  5. Stupid. by jcr · · Score: 1, Troll

    Any other plane would already have access to that information from the air traffic control system. An iPhone app isn't going to be the thing that enables a suicidal terrorist to succeed.

    -jcr

    --
    The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
  6. Re:Yes, let's all focus on the iPhone apps... by Cwix · · Score: 0, Troll

    That said, I'm not sure I'd be too happy with rednecks towing 105mm howitzers behind pickups with a rack of Stingers in the back.

    They are for hunting.. I swear.

    --
    You are entitled to your own opinions, not your own facts.
  7. Re:fear by MickyTheIdiot · · Score: 1, Troll

    which eliminates most of the US populace...