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!

[G-Man]

Here they go again..... *facepalm* thanks for posting this up DG!!!

[deadbuzzard]

Another reason to go with android and the S3. Plus all the awesome S3 commercials too

[2ns]

May apple and google never kiss and make up thereby denying google the use of this wonderful patented tool!

[plumcrazy]

apps like that are big brother at its best. total BS

[Audixx4]

This is why im going to get the s3 Apple want to control whatever they think is ok to control, screw Apple if i buy a phone i decide how to, where and when to use it. If i go to jail for recording what im no supposed to thats my problem not them.

[Miller6386]

I agree with it to an extent.... There are certain places where cameras just don't be to be. Government buildings, anywhere that has sensitive information, places with organized security that is actually there for our protection... Granted if criminals want to photograph or record this they will but it will be much more obvious when they are trying as opposed to someone just walking up with a cell phone....

Now the fact of concert venues using this to block people from recording concerts... I HIGHLY doubt that day will ever come... That is just someone against this throwing that out there to make certain generations buy into it.... The quality of the recording just isn't there for anyone to really worry about it... If someone wants a copy of something without buying it they will also get this through other means......

Remember when Google Earth first hit and so many people were all up throwing fits about the invasion of privacy and all of that. This is no different look at the all the sites making fun of people in certain shopping markets... I bet you 99% of those are taken with cell phones.... Is that right or fair to those people.. No not really... Should they go out dressed like that in public.....? No I don't think so but that is yet another reason I avoid places in which certain "classes" of people congregate.....

[G-Man]

Apple should have no right to dictate what a user is able to do after purchasing their device. Doesn't matter how you cut it... this is complete bs. Fine ppl, impose jail sentences if the person's action is severe enough.... but to remotely control anyone's personal cell phone is ludicrous. It's not just the camera this would allow them to control. It's the entire device.

[Vulcan1600]

Of course, I re-posted this on my FB page and without looking at the video, one of the iPhone sheep said "your android phone does the same thing". I replied that obviously he didn't watch the video and realize it was a patent just applied for and what it is to be used for.

[G-Man]

Of course, I re-posted this on my FB page and without looking at the video, one of the iPhone sheep said "your android phone does the same thing". I replied that obviously he didn't watch the video and realize it was a patent just applied for and what it is to be used for.

Apple fanboys are funny