Mobile Data Firm Withdraws Legal Threats

US-based mobile phone intelligence firm Carrier IQ has withdrawn its threat of legal action against security researcher Trevor Eckhart, who claimed last week that the firm's software logs actions taking place on a phone without users' intervention or control.

In a published blog, Eckhart described Carrier IQ's software as a 'rootkit', gaining access to a computing device without being seen and enabling phone providers to monitor their customers' actions without their knowledge.

In response, the firm issued Eckhart with a 'cease-and-desist' letter, in which it demanded he remove his article and replace it with a retraction and apology written by the company.

Eckhart sought support from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which contacted Carrier IQ to claim that the threats had been motivated by a desire to suppress the research findings, and to stop others from verifying Eckhart's conclusions.

Following EFF's intervention, Carrier IQ has withdrawn its letter and apologized, adding: 'We sincerely appreciate and respect EFF's work on Trevor Eckhart's behalf, and share their commitment to protecting free speech in a rapidly changing technological world.'

In a statement, the firm reiterated that its software does not record keystrokes, or provide tracking tools, nor does it inspect or report on the content of users' communications - such as e-mails and SMSs. In addition, the firm said it does not provide real-time data reporting to any customer, or sell data to third parties.

Web site: www.carrieriq.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.