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

[dgstorm]

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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[claudermilk]

Sigh. Yet another step towards realization of 1984, and I'm not a conspiracy theorist. Is it really that hard for people to follow rules & requests. When the venue says "please, no photography or videos" is it really that hard to just leave the dam phone in your pocket--and off? /end rant

[Sonicaholic]

Surly this patient then infringes multiple civil liberties including the right to the freedom of speech, which is the basis of all democratic countries. Apple seem to think that because they can they will and they should, and just reinforces my opinion of Apple and makes it harder for me to even contemplate an Apple product in the future. (not that I would anyway) If Google and Android ever go down this road I'll ditch it in an instant, Ok if I'm asked to not photograph something or someone I have the right to make that decision as a "free" individual and if I'm then sued for invasion of privacy or copyright that is my own fault, but to force it is just plain wrong and one step closer to a police state and everything the free world stands for. Makes you wonder what Apple fan boys are thinking about this right now? Incoming new Android customers lol!

[zigackly]

If nothing else, it hardly seems to be in the interest of the consumer. Another reason not to buy Apple products.

[huyi82]

All major companies have remote control over your device already via firmware updates, this is just the next step of thst control, people could always buy a digital camera, they have better pixels and quality anyway.

[rive]

All major companies have remote control over your device already via firmware updates, this is just the next step of thst control, people could always buy a digital camera, they have better pixels and quality anyway.

name them.

what mobile cellular device manufacturer installs hardware kill switches besides Apple?

[Pharoah]

haha apple is in bed with "the man"

[ggrant3876]

haha apple is in bed with "the man"

[Pharoah]