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Bose Headphones Secretly Collected User Data, Lawsuit Reveals (fortune.com)
The audio maker Bose, whose wireless headphones sell for up to $350, uses an app to collect the listening habits of its customers and provide that information to third parties -- all without the knowledge and permission of the users, according to a lawsuit filed in Chicago. From a report: The complaint accuses Boston-based Bose of violating the WireTap Act and a variety of state privacy laws, adding that a person's audio history can include a window into a person's life and views. "Indeed, one's personal audio selections -- including music, radio broadcast, Podcast, and lecture choices -- provide an incredible amount of insight into his or her personality, behavior, political views, and personal identity," says the complaint, noting a person's audio history may contain files like LGBT podcasts or Muslim call-to-prayer recordings.
I don't buy expensive headphones and generally have avoided some things that are privacy invading. But even surfing the web I get some well-timed mailings that make me fucking paranoid as shit. So to that end I have a request of corporate America: My life is not a resource to be commoditized. Stop fucking spying on me you slimy pieces of shit. I will share information with you IF I WANT TO.
Sigh. I know this is Slashdot, but come on!
No.
The lawsuit alleges (innocent until proven guilty) that the Bose completely optional app - not the headphones - collects too much data and shares it with 3rd parties without the user's consent.
Which is bad if true, but it is a far cry from the "your headphones are spying on you" that the headline claims.
Unsurprisingly, Slashdot probably picked this up to take yet another a jab at Apple.
Now, queue ignorant comments about how bluetooth headphones are tools of the devil, Apple is evil, etc.
In the article it says you can use the headphones without the app. Bose "encourages" customers to download and use the app with the headphones. That should give it away. Why do you think they want you to use their app? You can adjust the app settings - presumably what it can and cannot do. It seems what Bose did wrong was not be clear up front as to what the default result of using the app would be. That's not quite as bad as your smart TV spying on you if you connect it to your internet connected LAN.
I'm going to recheck my microwave now. I wonder if I should down this GE microwave app.
Very often, people confuse simple with simplistic. The nuance is lost on most. - Clement Mok
... the headphones listen to you!
I don't respond to AC's.
Why would anyone spend $1 to $2 on a pair of headphones? I read sheet music and play it back in my head.
This was for the longest time the approach to security. How high is the damage if our customer data gets lost? How much would it cost to secure it? It costs HOW MUCH? Screw security!
Only when laws were passed that made CEOs personally (!) liable (yes, with their private money) if they can't show that they've taken reasonable steps to secure it, suddenly security became an issue.
And we won't see anything being done in favor of privacy unless corporations feel the govenments' boots on their necks.
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
My wife bought a Wave IV Soundtouch with a 30-day return policy - the only good policy they have and the one we exercised.
Want to set the thing up and use the features you paid for like Internet radio? You have to use the app. The first thing the app requires to even start setup is access to your location. WTF? Then there is their so-called "privacy" policy (which is currently so private that they have broken links on their site so you can't even find it now) that allows them to track your listening (which could even include AM, FM, CD, etc), combine it with other info and sell or use it for marketing purposes.
In the words of my sound engineer friend: BOSE stands for Bring Other Sound Equipment.
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"You are not remembered for doing what is expected of you." - Atul Chitnis