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iOS 8 Strikes an Unexpected Blow Against Location Tracking
schwit1 (797399) writes 'It wasn't touted onstage, but a new iOS 8 feature is set to cause havoc for location trackers, and score a major win for privacy.As spotted by Frederic Jacobs, the changes have to do with the MAC address used to identify devices within networks. When iOS 8 devices look for a connection, they randomize the MAC address, effectively disguising any trace of the real device until it decides to connect to a network.'
At least according to the prosecutors who went after Aaron Swartz. His laptop got locked out of a network so he changed the MAC address with the built-in MacOS GUI utility and they said that was like filing the serial number off a car. Now all iphones are going to change it randomly during network scan? OMG, that's like a car that files off its own serial number every time you go around the block! Alert the authorities!!!!! Sigh.
Apple allready knows who you are and what you are doing and where you are and where you have been ...
Generally, I've found this to be true. Their business model does not depend on a lack of customer privacy like Google.
No, this is about 3rd parties tracking you - it means your iPhone does not provide its MAC address to the network(s) it has found. This never had anything to do with Apple tracking you nor does not stop Apple from keeping tabs on what networks you have identified while looking for a connection.
The point, obviously, is that you can't be identified by the access points you don't connect to.
Of course you're traceable once you've connected; how else could you stay connected and get traffic to your device?
systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
You make a good point. However, iirc, a user can completely diasable their iPhone's from repsonding to iBeacons. So even under the "blessed" way, a customer's privacy is still within their personal control.
Correct. The only difference is that they don't like to share...
The only difference is that they don't like to share..
Yes they do, they even say so in their privacy policy: “[Apple will] make certain personal information available to strategic partners that work with Apple to provide products and services, or that help Apple market to customers.”
In fact, if you read their privacy policy, you'd realize Apple gathers up about as much personal information on users as any other big tech company. The main difference is they say they don't connect the dots.In fact, they've been and are being sued for sharing too much user data...
Personal user data big part of any technology company's business model these days. Even Apple.
http://motherboard.vice.com/bl...
Apple went and deliberately developed "iBeacon"
Which works by Bluetooth, not WiFi, and it's basically a Bluetooth broadcaster. Also, it is opt-in.
In the same way, they cracked down on apps that used phone serial numbers, IMEIs and similar; but then built an "advertising identifier" right into their OS.
That you can opt out of.
Assorted stuff I do sometimes: Lemuria.org
No, it still provides your MAC to the network. Doing otherwise would break things - static DHCP reservations for one. It means the iPhone won't provide its MAC address *until* it finds a recognised network to connect to - it won't be broadcasting it constantly while you are out traveling or shopping.