Apple May Start To Detect Unauthorized iOS Devices

MacRumors reports Apple has been granted a new patent (application # 20100207721) for detecting unauthorized users of electronic devices.  The patent is generating controversy about how Apple plans to use the technology, if they decide to do so. I believe Apple may already be using this idea with the find my iPhone feature.  Through Apple's MobileMe service, users can locate lost iPhones via GPS & WiFi data.  Additionally, users can permanently lock their phones, so their data cannot be stolen.

There is some fear that Apple may use the technology to disable jailbroken devices.  It may not be in Apple's best interest to do this.  How else will Apple continue to add features users want without being able to "borrow" them from the jailbreak community.

One of the more scary ideas about this patent is the spy camera function.  If the device's location is trying to be determined and all available data is being gathered, there are some privacy concerns about the photos that may be taken with the built in camera.  Hopefully, malware authors do not find a way to activate this system and start taking photos of users in all kinds of situations.

At this time, there is no need to panic.  There should be discussions held about how Apple and other vendors intend to implement this type of technology.  There should be limits set to ensure consumer's privacy is not compromised in an effort to "protect them".