Apple iOS 13.5 Upgrade Includes Contact Tracing API

[DamianTV]

https://www.technocracy.news/apple-i...t-tracing-api/

To upgrade or not to upgrade, that is the question. Fears of the worst sort are already cropping up as Apple has not made completely clear what software developers will be able to access and use the new core features that allow for Contact Tracing.

One tech journal notes,

Usage of the contact tracing API is user-optional. Additionally, exposure reports require the user to, once again, opt in to the notification, and it can only be done after the positive result is confirmed by one of the government agencies.

The first problem is that many iPhone users don’t have a clue what ‘user-optional’ means and if they do, they forget to disable the feature.

The second problem is that other app creators may gain access to the Application Programming Interface (API) and use it for other purposes. There are some who will say that can’t ever happen, but I would remind them about Apple’s poor track record of closing up holes that have been secretly exploited by groups of developers who knew better, but didn’t care about breaking the rules.

The third problem is that while Apple says all data is anonymized, it is the ‘mother ship’ who knows everything about you. It knows what apps you have installed and your continuous location as you move around. Turning your health data over to Apple puts it out of your control. Do you trust Apple to never tell another soul? Do you trust it to never come with other uses for the API, once it is spread around the entire planet? If governments are allowed to access the API, will they use it only for benevolent purposes?

The fourth problem is that Google is doing exactly the same thing with their Android platform. Do you trust Google more or less than Apple?

If iPhone users do not upgrade to iOS 13.5, then they will not receive any further upgrades beyond that, period. This means that you are frozen in time, unable to receive the latest security and other feature updates.

If you choose to upgrade your smart phone to iOS 13.5, at least sift it with a fine-tooth comb to make sure you have turned all such features OFF, and then do frequent audits to be sure that they remain OFF.

...

More at link.

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So, pretty much "Mandatory". Its not like once this update is released that any phones released after the update will contain an option to revert the OS to a non contact tracing version.

When is this data gonna be made available to employers? Think that wont get someone fired?

[PRB]

People acting like smartphones haven't been tracking your location for 14 years.

[euphemia]

To disable settings>privacy>blue tooth>COVID-19 tracking and toggle off.

[PRB]

To disable settings>privacy>blue tooth>COVID-19 tracking and toggle off.

Or, how about just turn location & bluetooth permanently off???

[euphemia]

I do that, too, unless I need them to work other things.

[BortSimpson]

Do we really believe that turning off these settings means we won't be tracked? I would like to believe that's the case but I'd be surprised if it were true.

[DamianTV]

Do we really believe that turning off these settings means we won't be tracked? I would like to believe that's the case but I'd be surprised if it were true.

Yup. Illusion of Privacy. Illusion of control of your information.

[jmdrake]

Time to build this.

[PRB]

Time to build this.

or
1. use a faraday cage
2. use an old android phone
3. use a non-smart phone

[jmdrake]

or
1. use a faraday cage
2. use an old android phone
3. use a non-smart phone

You have to take your phone out of the faraday cage to use it right? The app will be pinging away when you do. Options 2 and 3 are viable though.

[PRB]

You have to take your phone out of the faraday cage to use it right? The app will be pinging away when you do. Options 2 and 3 are viable though.

correct.

there's also de-googled android phones called Fairphone.