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iPhones Grab Location Data When Tracker Function Is Off

Some call for a congressional inquiry

By Mark Russell, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2011 4:05 AM CDT | Updated Apr 25, 2011 5:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Not only do Apple's iPhones and iPads track your location in unencrypted, easily hackable files, but they continue to do so even if you turn off the location service function, reports the Wall Street Journal. Apple and Google had said that location tracking was done anonymously and could be turned off, but that apparently does not stop it from storing the data.

The Journal turned off the location tracking on several iPhones and then moved around during the day; later, they discovered that data collection had continued, although location coordinates were no longer exact. The discovery of the hidden location tracking has created an uproar, and now Rep. Edward Markey is calling for a congressional inquiry. Click to read more.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple's location-tracking software on its iPhone continues to work even after being turned off. (leapingbytes)

FILE - In this June 19, 2009 file photo, an Apple store employee activates an Apple iPhone 3G, in New York. the Apple iPhone 3G contains $60 worth of components from Japan, $23 from South Korea, $30 from... (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file)

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iPhones Grab Location Data When Tracker Function Is Off

Some call for a congressional inquiry

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iPhone • online privacy • Apple • location-based services • tracking device

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