FTC must investigate Carrier IQ: U.S. lawmaker

FTC must investigate Carrier IQ: U.S. lawmaker
Lawmaker called for Federal Trade Commission probe into Carrier IQ saga.

Over the last couple of weeks, Carrier IQ has come under pressure from all angles over software that it provides to wireless carriers and manufactures to gather some usage information from smartphones. It was alleged that the software was capable of retrieving any metric from smartphones, even what keys were pressed.



Carrier IQ vehemently denies the allegations, and wireless carriers who admit to using their software say it gathers no personal data at all. Nevertheless, the reaction has been significant from all angles, with at least one lawsuit slapped on Carrier IQ already.

Now, Edward Markey, U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 7th congressional district, is urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the matter, and find out if Carrier IQ, or wireless carriers, violated the privacy of millions of Americans.

"Consumers and families need to understand who is siphoning off and storing their personal information every time they use their smart phone," Markey said in a statement.

The Carrier IQ saga comes at a time when questions about the collection and storage of potentially personal information, and how its used, are being raised. The European Commission is seeking to harmonize laws related to data retention among all 27 member states that make up the European Union within the next few years.

Written by: James Delahunty @ 3 Dec 2011 9:56
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Carrier IQ
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  • 2 comments
  • blueboy09

    While I nod in appreciation toward this line of action, it's going to take more than one senator's saying to get any legal action done against CarrierIQ. As for them denying the accusation? Of course they will , they're company is at stake right down, trying to find some loophole in the law to get out of this situation.

    Chance prepares the favored mind. Look up once in a while and you might learn something. - BLUEBOY

    3.12.2011 17:13 #1

  • ChiknLitl

    Originally posted by blueboy09: While I nod in appreciation toward this line of action, it's going to take more than one senator's saying to get any legal action done against CarrierIQ. As for them denying the accusation? Of course they will , they're company is at stake right down, trying to find some loophole in the law to get out of this situation. Well, here we have a Congressman in this report. We have had 1 Senator already look into this (Al Franken). That's 2 different branches of government. Others will soon join in. You cannot have such a sensational story in the news and have the politicians ignore it. They are primed to go after this company. If you are at all concerned, contact your Congressman. It's easy. Write an e-mail or call and leave a message. Let them know you are a constituent and are concerned about your privacy. That's all it takes to get their attention. If enough of their constituents make contact they will take up the banner against CarrierIQ. I believe these are the seeds of the beginning of the end for this company. Remember, These politicians all use cell phones, and probably do not want any of their "activities" potentially compromised by a breach of privacy.

    Find your representative:

    http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt


    ---Chikn

    4.12.2011 09:02 #2

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