Carrier IQ officially responds to concerns about privacy on HTC EVO
We first shared with you our concerns about Carrier IQ on the HTC EVO back in August. Then, after some additional digging, we became even more concerned. Are our EVOs really recording every single press of the screen? Why? What is it doing with this information? Where is it sending it? How is our personal data being protected?
Then, as recently as this week, we discovered even more information about some potential security holes in the Carrier IQ software. And as it turns out, the company that makes this software for Sprint and HTC wasn't too happy. They reached out to us to clarify what they say is incorrect information, so in the interest of fairness, here's their complete statement.
Measuring Mobile User Experience Does Matter!
Mountain View, CA – Carrier IQ would like to clarify some recent press on how our product is used and the information that is gathered from smartphones and mobile devices.
Carrier IQ delivers Mobile Intelligence on the performance of mobile devices and networks to assist operators and device manufacturers in delivering high quality products and services to their customers. We do this by counting and measuring operational information in mobile devices – feature phones, smartphones and tablets. This information is used by our customers as a mission critical tool to improve the quality of the network, understand device issues and ultimately improve the user experience. Our software is embedded by device manufacturers along with other diagnostic tools and software prior to shipment.
While we look at many aspects of a device’s performance, we are counting and summarizing performance, not recording keystrokes or providing tracking tools. The metrics and tools we derive are not designed to deliver such information, nor do we have any intention of developing such tools. The information gathered by Carrier IQ is done so for the exclusive use of that customer, and Carrier IQ does not sell personal subscriber information to 3rd parties. The information derived from devices is encrypted and secured within our customer’s network or in our audited and customer-approved facilities.
Our customers have stringent policies and obligations on data collection and retention. Each customer is different and our technology is customized to their exacting needs and legal requirements. Carrier IQ enables a measurable impact on improving the quality and experience of our customer’s mobile networks and devices. Our business model and technology aligns exclusively with this goal.
So do you buy it? Are you concerned about Carrier IQ, or do you think this is just a bunch of fear-mongering by a few over zealous conspiracy theorists? Do companies really ever have our best interest at heart, like Carrier IQ claims?
Sound off below.
