Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
Summary
Topics
Apple has applied for a patent — titled 'Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorised Users of an Electronic Device' — that covers a series of security measures to automatically protect devices from thieves and other 'unauthorized users'. This terminology apparently applies to those who engage in jailbreaking, which allows devices to run apps not approved by the company producing the operating system — such as Apple, the main target of such bypasses.
The application, which was filed in February 2009 and published Thursday, describes measures to identify "particular activities that may indicate suspicious behavior," so that "safety measures" can be taken to restrict the device's functions. Those activities include the "hacking, jailbreaking, unlocking, or removal of a SIM card", according to the application. Apple also intends to send warnings to owners via email or text message when such activity is detected.
In July, US Copyright Office ruled that bypassing a manufacturer's protection mechanisms to allow "handsets to execute software applications" no longer violates federal copyright law. However, while the US Copyright Office has declared the software legal, Apple has repeatedly discouraged users from loading such a bypass, reminding them that doing so will void their device's warranty.
For more on this story, read Apple applies for patent to kill jailbroken devices on CNET News.
Talkback Most Recent of 126 Talkback(s)
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Apple BS
The Judges opinion was quite clear in intent - it's your device, not theirs after they sell it. Unlike DRM, this is an obvious attempt to restrict an owners right to use the device in a manner that may violate the warranty, it's not a violation of DRM as it would be to steal movies.
afhavemann@...23rd Aug 2010 -
RE: Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
@afhavemann@... I'm sorry, but you're wrong.
As an owner you have the right to load whatever software you want.
That's not what these patents are about at all.
They are about identifying suspicious behavior at the device, and locking it down so that it can't be jail broken or continue to operate in any way without contacting the owner first.
This is hardening security at the handset, and I want it today.
You see, features like this are opt-in and customizable buy THE OWNER.
Otherwise, it wouldn't have said they were going to contact the owner, it would have contacted someone else.
By the way--if someone steals MY phone and then jailbreak it (usually what happens), I actually DO WANT someone to lock them up.
And to the "author" of this article--SHAME ON YOUR BEHIND FOR LINK BAITING!! Your headline is a lie and you know it. This article ran here LAST WEEK, and was much better formed and didn't try to stir the stupid.
lelandhendrix@...23rd Aug 2010 -
RE: Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
@lelandhendrix@...
Yep. Exactly.
andrew@...23rd Aug 2010 -
RE: Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
@lelandhendrix@...
Be careful how much faith you put in Apple. As they say - "the road to hell is paved with good intentions".
Apple is not as benevolent as you think. Their motives may include hardening the handset, but they are also creating an environment where they have complete control over which applications will run, and revenue streams. Which of these do you think is their primary motivator?
smtp4me@...24th Aug 2010 -
Exactly......On all counts.
@lelandhendrix@...
Apple should have picked up on this from Microsoft's attempted lawsuit against mods on the X-Box. Once it's been purhcased it's the owner's right to fill it with dirt and turn it into a planter if it's their choosing.
Also, definitely link bait.
MB
mhbowman@...26th Aug 2010 -
RE: Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
@lelandhendrix@... STUPID eh? You and the author are hardly much beyond the imbecile stage if you can't even post the application number at issue so that we can actually judge for ourselves.
attoman9th Sep 2010 -
RE: Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
@afhavemann@... It is DRM... It's about managing your right to modify the device. DRM itself is not a good thing because it's about managing your rights under the law, such as your right to make a backup copy of your music (Sony CDs), your right to move it to a new device (iTunes/iPod), or your right to view your content on the TV that you have (HDCP).
snoop0x7b23rd Aug 2010 -
I think I you get that kind of message you should file a harassment...
@afhavemann@... Against apple I would definitely put an end to this type of garbage. You paid for the device you should be able to do what you want with it. Them sending you messages telling you that you can't do that is just harassment.
dougogd@...27th Aug 2010 -
RE: Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
Apple is stupid.
I don't have and won't buy an iPod, iPad, or other apple device because I want to use it however I want. Instead I'll wait for some competitor to release some linux based clone and buy that.
Fight with your customers and guess what Apple.. you won't have any! Loosen the reigns or die; it's common sense. Embrace what your users want and you'll succeed.
I sent a guy a zip file the other day.. any other platform has that sort of thing BUILT IN but not an ipad.. you have to buy an app. No thanks Apple.
jd@...23rd Aug 2010 -
I will not buy one...
... because it's too bloody expensive and too gimmicky.
fairportfan23rd Aug 2010 -
Not true
@fairportfan My iPad has already provided me many hours of enjoyment.
MSFTWorshipper27th Aug 2010 -
RE: Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
@jd@... boy are you in for a surprise:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/the-dirty-little-secret-about-google-android/38260?tag=nl.e550
I12BPhil23rd Aug 2010 -
RE: Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
@I12BPhil I think you need to READ that before posting it as some insane argument.
blueskip23rd Aug 2010 -
RE: Apple patent looks to lock up jailbreakers
@Blueskip You should try reading it yourself. Google allows for all their carriers (AT&T thru VZ) to fill an Android handset with all their bloatware and then Moto has the nerve to issue Ceast & Desists for those who attempt to root their phone.
Read it yourself.
eddit1323rd Aug 2010 -
I like apple stuff but you make a good point
@jd@... Now, I'm just waiting on an ipad that runs Ubuntu!
www.dfwsupergeek.com
unclefixer@...23rd Aug 2010
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