New iOS App Sends Users' Web Traffic Through Its Proxy Servers

New submitter spac writes "AllthingsD has an interesting story about how a startup called Wajam requires users of their service to download a script that sets up a proxy to handle all network requests for the purpose of providing 'Social Recommendations' within built-in apps. The privacy implications of using this profile script isn't clearly presented to users. Are we really to entrust our data to a company founded by a man who comes from the world of browser toolbars? And for social search?!" The company rushes to counter privacy concerns by pointing out that their service has "received security certifications from TRUSTe, McAfee and Norton."

Comments

Privileged app submitter

[Bovius]

As an iOS developer, if I submitted an app to the app store that does this, I'm certain it would be rejected for not meeting Apple's guidelines. Makes me wonder who had to be friends with who to get this greenlighted.

Re:Not an app, a configuration

[icebike]

You make a huge distinction for very little difference.

Regardless of HOW they get the user to use a proxy server, they still systematically socially engineering them to do so.

That they use methods that were designed for corporate phones and apply them to public subscribers is simply more evidence of misbehavior.

That you accepted my gift of a wall clock does not excuse the presence of my listening device embedded therein, even if the fine print in the
clock's user manual mentioned it.