Remember Apple’s patent that would use infrared signals to remotely disable an iPhone’s camera? Turns out, people aren’t too keen on it.
Here’s a new feature Apple fans don’t want.
A group of people is asking Apple not to include features in its iPhones that could allow police and governments to remotely disable their cameras. The technology, which was described in a patent awarded to the company last month, could allow a phone’s camera to be remotely disabled through infrared signals.
“The release of this technology would have huge implications, including the censoring of political dissidents, activists, and citizens who are recording police brutality,” the petition says.
Phones have become a key tool in broadcasting citizen interactions with law enforcement. The use was vividly displayed in the past month when the deaths of two black men and five police officers were broadcast live on Facebook.
Apple initially imagined the patent helping to stop people from recording live concerts, which artists like Adele have been outspoken about.
So far, more than 8,000 people are said to have signed the petition. Apple declined to comment, though the company has not indicated it plans to use the technology in its future products.
Source: cnet.com
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I don’t spend hundreds of dollars on a device so that someone else can remotely control how I use it, especially when they’re wanting to control it so they can assault people without being held accountable. This is literally hypocrisy at it’s finest. They don’t want to give law enforcement control of their products to investigate terrorism but they’ll do it so law enforcement can avoid evidence while they abuse their authority? I’ve never been an iPhone fan and the fact that they’re considering this confirms for me that I’ll never spend another dime on their products.
So Apple is all for privacy and private data and private usage of your cellphone. They refused to help unlock a dead terrorist’s phone. But, they want to control when your camera can and cannot be used?
Hypocrites.
If this technology gets included in future phones, is there any chance it won’t be used by someone with bad intentions?
@bjbj1279 This is Apple innovation at its finest. Embrace the future.
I agree this should never be implemented in any smartphone. It’s a horrible idea with too much room for abuse. If concert venues can block your camera from recording, anyone can.
@cmp2993 So what’s your solution for people who buy tickets and agree not to film a concert, and then go ahead and do it anyway? And what about the people behind them who can’t see because of selfish idiots? I find it hard to believe that a policeman will magically be able to set up a perimeter of blocking beacons necessary without a time machine.
@kaibelf @cmp2993 Why does every problem have to have a government solution? Which in this case IS FAR WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM.
@kaibelf @cmp2993 The solution is what I witnessed Chuck Berry do at a concert. He stopped the show until the camera was turned off and security reported that the video was deleted.
The person trying to get video was luck security got to them because the crowd was ready to kill them.
BUT,, Lets be real here. The quality of the video in a concert setting from even the best cell phone $ucK$ so why are performers worried about it??
@kaibelf I have no solution. I just know that building a way for the camera to be disabled wirelessly through infrared signals is taking a big risk. All of the sudden we have cameras being disabled left and right by governments, police, etc. They could easily put a device in every cop car that emits these infrared signals and disables all cameras within the cops vicinity. They don’t need to setup a perimeter, they could just flick a switch in their cruiser and any phone within range would have its camera disabled.
Try putting software out that actually does not brick your hardware Apple…..you suck Tim Cook!!!…..step the hell down as CEO!!!!
@JoeShhmo Tim Cook is the most innovative CEO on the planet, even beyond Jobs. he is taking Apple to new heights.
@joeshhmo @bakdahelup you forgot your medication psycho!!