Discovered a software that records everything you do with the mobile

It may take just a suspicion, but a new discovery casts reasonable doubt on the respect of some companies to deteriorating privacy of users. This time bomb has been thrown by Trevor Eckhart , a young programmer U.S. security specialist, he has discovered in moving of different operating systems and makes the existence of a software pre-installed that monitors user activity and sends the operators phone data such as location, messaging and SMS passwords user.

Eckhart discovered two weeks ago that some mobile operating system Android had a pre-installed software company Carrier IQ that, without the user knowing it, recording their activity and sent over the Internet. To demonstrate, the programmer filmed a video in which you can see how their actions with a phone HTC were recorded on a computer screen. Even when internet Eckhart agreed to by the security protocol https , which is encrypted, Carrier IQ software could read the information instantly and seamlessly.

Carrier IQ Eckhart sent a notice of "cease and desist" to stop referring to this company, but the program remained strong. The company that was abandoned, a few days later issued a press release explaining that the program does is "count and measure operational information in mobile devices." "This information is used by our customers-operators-as a tool for improving the quality of the network, understand the problems of equipment and ultimately improve the user experience," he said.

Carrier IQ software is about 140 million phones, but it is unclear which ones. On the one hand, while Eckhart tests were with Android, Google this system does not carry the "spy" by default. In fact, not in the official Google phone.

Nokia and BlackBerry, which is immediately associated with this software, ensure that their terminals are shipped with this program. Another thing is if someone installs it later. The Apple iPhone with the current IOS 5.0 does not carry the Carrier IQ software, even if it was in previous versions. In this case, the program was disabled by default.

Amid the controversy, U.S. operators like Sprint and AT & T defended the use of this system to improve the effectiveness of their service. Some authorities have begun to investigate. U.S. Sen. Al Franken has requested an explanation from Carrier IQ, and data protection authorities in Germany and France have already formally requested information to companies to see if the phones are spying on us.

Vodafone reinforces its services for smartphones through its application store for Android

Vodafone will strengthen its services for smartphones through its app store 'AppSelect' available for smartphones with Google's operating system, Android.

One of the main advantages of 'AppSelect' is the "quality and safety," said the operator who has stated that the purchases are made through the Vodafone bill or balance, without having to include bank or credit card . In addition, all applications are "tested" before uploading to the store.

The company explained that with its new service for smartphone aims to "multiply" the ability for users of these smart phones and offer the most advanced experience of the moment.

Specifically, 'Vodafone Discover "offers a" living space "in the main screen of' smartphone 'showing, always updated, the information" more useful and relevant "for customers.

Thus, with this service the client will find the "best content" with direct access to the best applications and games time consumption information in real time, Vodafone exclusive applications, direct access to the most important settings and phone special promotions.

CarrierIQ, the system that violates the privacy of your phone

A company belonging to the Carrier IQ is at the center of attention for having been accused by computer security experts dedicated to collecting data on the use of the device and even the content of text messages.

The scandal came to light through some information published on several blogs, in which supposedly gave as an example how to Carrier IQ software collected data from one phone HTC Android operating system from Google .

According to The Wall Street Journal , Carrier IQ was quick to deny the accusations and said he would take legal action against those who suggest that he was breaching the privacy of users.

The company denied that its technology will be dedicated to record, store or transmit the contents of messages, emails, photographs, audio or video, and said the sole purpose of their software was to measure the performance of the phones and help detect problems improve their performance.

Responses of the manufacturers

Google said it has no contractual relationship with Carrier IQ, but its Android operating system provides handset manufacturers with an option that can make modifications to it according to your needs or those of telecommunications companies.

Apple said it had already begun to stop using such software on their devices with IOS operating system 5 and Nokia confirmed that he had never been present on their phones, like Microsoft in its Windows Phone.

HTC said that some telephone companies asked to install the software on their devices, such is the case in the U.S. AT & T, T-Mobile and Sprint (unlike Verizon ), who reported using the technology of Carrier IQ to have data about their network to make service improvements.

This case adds to previous controversies raised by the tracking and tracing systems that allow phones to function as GPS and peppered Apple and Google to transcend their devices keep records of users' movements.