Carrier IQ Relents, Apologizes 78
symbolset writes "Update from an earlier story here, where Carrier IQ was pursuing a security researcher for pointing out privacy issues in an application alleged to track and record the activities of smartphone users. The company has relented, and retracted their Cease and Desist letter. In their press release [PDF] they say: 'As of today, we are withdrawing our cease and desist letter to Mr. Trevor Eckhart. We have reached out to Mr.
Eckhart and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) to apologize. Our action was misguided and we are deeply sorry for any concern or trouble that our letter may have caused Mr. Eckhart. We sincerely appreciate and respect EFF's work
on his behalf, and share their commitment to protecting free speech in a rapidly changing technological world.' Notch another win for the Streisand effect."
How much of this was out of their heartfelt goodne (Score:5, Insightful)
First Post
How much of this was due to the slashdot publicity and EFF involvement
Or was this all out of the goodness of their hearts?
How many little guys are getting squashed because they dont get the publicity or cant get the support of a big organisation?
Does it end with IQ? (Score:5, Insightful)
'Sorry' is the most devalued word in the corporate world today :-/
Re:How much of this was out of their heartfelt goo (Score:5, Insightful)
Probably almost entirely the EFF's utter thrashing of CIQ's request/demands.
Re:How much of this was out of their heartfelt goo (Score:5, Insightful)
The EFF is a great organisation
Where would we be without them
Donate https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2011/11/double-your-impact-take-eff-mission-challenge with dollar for dollar matching by the Brin Wojcicki Foundation until december 31st
I've sent mine in
Re:Does it end with IQ? (Score:5, Insightful)
Corporations can't feel remorse or make decisions.
The person who decided to go after Eckhart should be the one to say "sorry". Hiding behind the corporate logo makes the apology empty.
Re:Does it end with IQ? (Score:4, Insightful)
But corporations are people too ! ;-)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_personhood [wikipedia.org]
Re:How much of this was out of their heartfelt goo (Score:3, Insightful)
That's my question.
Dear EFF. I will happily donate another $100 this year if you announce intent to vigorously pursue total disbarment of the attorney that signed the letter from carrier IQ.
Judging from the response, virtually none of the clients actions seemed at all questionable under even the vaguest attempt to examine things reasonably. Just like the former Mr. Jackson's doctor...just because their client *really really wanted* their services does not mean it was ethical (or lawful) for them to supply them.
Sure, it might be nice to get CIQ to arrange a donation to the SFLC or EFF. But really--I don't expect everybody to necessarily understand subtleties of IP law. That's what a lawyer is for. The company *had* a general counsel. Who should have done his damned job instead of just collecting a check.
I'd like to see some of these bottom-feeders start losing their occupation for their crimes against society and the legal system.
There needs to be higher and worse consequences to barratry.
Not only cell phones... (Score:5, Insightful)
Any subscribed service with a 2-way tethered user device such as cell phones, dsl / cable boxes, and cable/dsl/digital television will have embedded information gathering and remote update/control software almost guaranteed.
Much of it is strictly for service metrics, diagnostics and predictive problem avoidance. Some of it is used as an interactive problem solving tool for tier 1 support. You might want to look at www.motive.com as an example company.
If desired though, these products usually have the capability for being very invasive. eg: TV set top boxes can record all kinds of info about your viewing habits: every button push on the remote can be recorded, effectively recording much about your viewing habits.
It's an old story: there are legitimate and desirable uses for these tools but they are all capable of misuse. Even when not abused, our access to privacy and anonymity is severely eroded from what it was even 20 years ago.
Benign? Maybe. Food for thought anyways.
The EFF got results. GO GIVE THEM MONEY! (Score:5, Insightful)
No, really.
This is why the EFF is so important -- because they have the resources and know-how to stand up for the Hackers, the Security Researchers, the Makers, the Professors, and even the lowly Undergraduates.
The EFF didn't just get results here, they effectively Pimp-slapped the company....with knowledge.
So before you go out on Black Friday to blow a few hundred on electronic toys..err...valuable tools for your job, go give the EFF $20 dollars. Heck, give them something like $65 and they'll even send you a sweet T-Shirt.
What are you waiting for? Think about it: You're a geek and don't get to pimp-slap anyone. Live vicariously through the EFF -- strike a blow against Censorship.
http://eff.org/donate [eff.org]
Re:Does it end with IQ? (Score:5, Insightful)
But corporations are people too ! ;-)
I understood the joke, but I'l pretend I didn't in order to say:
I will believe it when I see a corporation going to jail or in the death row. :-)
Re:How much of this was out of their heartfelt goo (Score:4, Insightful)
Just to add though, that's a reflection on Brin, not Google.