New Apple 'Camera' Patent Will Allow Remote Shutdown of Your Phone or its Features

dgstorm

Editor in Chief
Staff member
Jan 5, 2011
2,205
130

There is an incendiary topic starting to heat up the web right now. Apparently Apple filed a new patent that would ultimately allow them or another third party to remotely deactivate/activate your phone or even just specific features of the phone. The patent is disguised as a way to remotely deactivate your camera at concerts or other venues where someone could potentially record copyrighted material illegally.

However, the patent is much broader in scope and functionality than just that. Based upon the way it is worded, it would actually allow any third party, like a governmental agency or a corporation to remotely control your phone. In fact, specific wireless "zone hotspots" could be created in which your device automatically has certain functions shutdown when you enter that area. The implications of this patent and the potential misuse of it are staggering.

The video above goes into a bit better detail explaining it. Here is what the patent itself states,

Apparatus and methods for changing one or more functional or operational aspects of a wireless device, such as upon the occurrence of a certain event. In one embodiment, the event comprises detecting that the wireless device is within range of one or more other devices. In another variant, the event comprises the wireless device associating with a certain access point. In this manner, various aspects of device functionality may be enabled or restricted (device “policies”). This policy enforcement capability is useful for a variety of reasons, including for example to disable noise and/or light emanating from wireless devices (such as at a movie theater), for preventing wireless devices from communicating with other wireless devices (such as in academic settings), and for forcing certain electronic devices to enter “sleep mode” when entering a sensitive area.

As you can see, the patent tries to sound quite harmless, but it's not too much of a stretch to envision virtual blackout areas and a dystopian future. Of course, the intent may not be nefarious, but we thought the information was worth sharing with you so that we could hear your perspective.

Thanks to our tipster, G-Man!
 
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strider_mt2k

Member
Nov 22, 2010
406
19
Leave it to Apple.
I guess if they crawl into bed with the man it might bode better for them in the courts?

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
 

leeshor

Senior Member
Dec 27, 2011
6,330
1,037
That's a good point. I was thinking more along the lines of not hearing an iPhone ringing at a concert or in a theater.
 

leeb

Member
Jul 16, 2011
463
21
... and theyre gonna get the GOBMUNT to FORCE everybody else to use the tech AND TO PAY APPLE FOR IT.

Sure glad I use a REALLY STOOPID phone! :p
 

yann2

Senior Member
Jan 24, 2012
414
48
It's scary indded.

Remember that fancy phones can be used to locate your current location, via built in gps. That could be a blow to personal privacy as well.

A dumb phone looks better and better, doesn't it?
 
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