Apple has advised the U.S. Copyright office that Jailbroken iPhones pose a threat to carrier networks and can even damage transmission towers.

Apple made the claim, along with other allegations, in a response to the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation’s (EFF) request to legalize jailbreaking. The EFF contend the jailbreaking of the iPhone’s software does not violate the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act.  Apple’s full response can be reviewed here.  The DMCA, a law that forbids the circumvention of copy control mechanisms, is reviewed every three years by the Copyright Office.

Apple alleges that through jailbreaking, the phone’s baseband processor (BBP) is exposed and can be used by hackers to disrupt carrier networks, as well as change the phones Exclusive Chip Idetnification (ECID) to hide or clone the phones idenitiy.  Changing the EICD would enable anonymous calls (think terrorists or drug dealers) or even worse, free calls, although most GSM carriers rely on the SIM for identity and billing considerations.

Regardless, Apple is making a play to lock out competition and impose (ever changing) limits on products that have been lawfully purchased. Let’s hope the iPhone community continues to fight back.

Related posts:

1. Apple hit by ‘Sling’shot 1.1 Sling Media is back in Apple’s headlights bringing their new...
2. Toktumi’s Line 2 gets Apple approval Now that the dust is somewhat starting to settle regarding...
3. Apple to offer pre-made ringtones Jackpot. This is a move Apple needed to make to...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

 Print

 Email