Apple Computer To Make “Back Door” For iPhones

Apple Computer, Apple Juice: Which One’s Better?

So… I just read this story:

Apple unveils plans to scan US iPhones for images of child sex abuse
By Rebecca Klar – 08/05/21 05:22 PM EDT
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/566603-apple-unveils-plans-to-scan-us-iphones-for-images-of-child-sex-abuse

Sounds good, right?

At least, superficially, perhaps.

The second sentence reads in part, “but security researchers and advocates are warning the scanning update — along with one that aims to give parents protective tools in children’s messages — could pose data and security risks beyond the intended purpose.”

But, here’s the creepy part:
“Apple said its method to detect the abusive material is “designed with user privacy in mind.” Instead of scanning images in the cloud, the system performs “on-device matching” using a database of known child sexual abuse material image hashes provided by child safety organizations.”

Did you get that?

“A database of known child sexual abuse material image hashes provided by child safety organizations.”

Now, what follows is a rather simplified version, and quite frankly, it wouldn’t surprise me to know that Law Enforcement authorities are onto that game. But here’s something even more sophisticated: Image hashes.

Here’s a primer on the matter:
https://jenssegers.com/perceptual-image-hashes

It almost does the same thing, albeit with a slight twist – it’s not encrypted.

The technology is called PhotoDNA, was invented by Microsoft, and essentially, works from a known database of child pornographic images, and analyzes them (creates a “hash”) thereby creating a unique digital identifier for each and every image, that is resistant, or impervious to change, such as the elimination of color, or adjustments made using photo editing software/algorithms, including of size, and analyzes each cell/pixel’s intensity gradients, or edges.

But again, it’s based upon ONE premise: An unencrypted file.

Immediately after reading the headline, I saw the flaw.

That flaw is base upon the presumption that customers of Apple’s iCloud service are uploading UNENCRYPTED files.

HOWEVER… PhotoDNA is alleged to work with encryption.
See: https://5rightsfoundation.com/uploads/5rights-briefing-on-e2e-encryption–csam.pdf

In a very simple way, here’s what

Apple Recall: iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program

Apple has determined that a very small percentage of iPhone 5 devices may suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently. The affected iPhone 5 devices were sold between September 2012 and January 2013 and fall within a limited serial number range.

If your iPhone 5 is experiencing these symptoms and meets the eligibility requirements noted below, Apple will replace your iPhone 5 battery, free of charge.

Eligibility

If your iPhone is in working order and exhibits the symptoms noted above, use the serial number checker below to see if it is eligible for this program.

Only iPhone 5 smartphones sold between September 2012 and

The World is FULL…

What does Unified Info mean on iPhone?

Among the standard WordPress offerings are statistics on each blog, and corresponding search terms that were used to discover any particular entry. Those are very powerful tools, and in the proper hands, can be effectively utilized.

It’s interesting to read the search terms that often lead to this blog, and to this point, though I have considered opining on some of the more “fascinating” or “peculiar” entries, I shall share something a wee bit less salacious.

In fact, it’s not salacious at all.

One such entry was “what does unified info mean on iPhone“?

First, consider what the word “unified” means.

“Unified” means “to make, or become united, uniform or whole.”

The prefix “uni” means “one.”

By implication, unity, unification, or unified means that exactness is present. There is no variation, or difference.

Things are as one. They are made into one. To unify is to make into one.

New Contact on iPhone – Note the data fields.

New Contact in “Contacts” address book on OSX
Note the data fields.

Sample Contact entry in “Contacts” address book on OSX.

Quite simply put, “Unified Info” on the iPhone means

The Ultimate iPhone Apple Mac Google Contacts Address Book iCal Calendar iTunes sync post

2/26/12 Update: Be sure to read also “Sync-ing your iPhone’s Google Contacts/Address Book got you sunk? Fear not!”

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Okay, maybe it’s not the “ultimate.”

But, perhaps it’s the penultimate.

That’s good too, eh?

Yeah.

Well, you dropped the bomb, bought a Mac and or an iPhone, and you have a Google account already. Welcome to the club.

You’re loving Lion and iCloud and probably wondering, “how can I get all my stuff all synced up?”

I can understand why it might all seem confusing.

First, you have iTunes sync.

Then, you’ve got Address Book and Calendar sync.

And then… you’ve got iCloud.

Good grief! How does it all fit together!?!

Sure, it can be

Sync-ing your iPhone’s Google Contacts/Address Book got you sunk? Fear not!

2/26/12 Update: Be sure to read also “The Ultimate iPhone Apple Mac Google Contacts Address Book iCal Calendar iTunes sync post“

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Some folks have expressed difficulty synchronizing their contacts on their iPhones with iOS 5.

That should NOT be a problem.

Because iOS 5 has incorporated features into it that make synchronization seamless and virtually invisible, losing a note, email, address or contact is a thing of the past.

However! To take advantage of those built-in features, they must be turned ON! It’s a bit like