Everyday users and privacy advocates found more reasons to be concerned about big tech. After one of those so-called latest version updates, users were unable to launch apps that were not brand-marked. Problem was caused by big tech server outage. But why did the unavailability of a remote server prevent a user from launching a program on their own computer?

It turns out that each time a program is opened on mac, it phones home via the Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) to see if that application is “okay” to launch: it asks the corporation permission each time a new application is encountered, sending potentially identifying information along with that request, the basic loot / cheat foundation on which AI Adoption, Big Data Science etc.. are evolving. While such business & election targeted functions only made news because of the recent server outage caused by release of a newest version, research indicates that the report-back has existed in the operating system since many years. This is a classic case of capital software serving as an instrument of unjust power.

More disturbing yet is the other identifying information that is sent along with such privacy theft, which includes the user’s approximate location and the current date and time. Because mac is so restricted, it leaves everyone, including free software developers, powerless to help users prevent their application use from being reported back to big tech. Due to the way the system is engineered, firewalls are unable to block the information from being sent to big tech domains. Furthermore, the information is sent unencrypted over the network, potentially allowing a snoop to see which apps a user was trying to launch on their own computer. The request also bypasses any VPN, letting big tech know their approximate location even if the user has taken steps to stay anonymous.

Even if they make changes to the system (in a vague timeline of “over the next year”), there was a period during which big tech was mandating use of the service with no opt-out, and they will continue to do so. Not only were they invading every user’s privacy, but the records no doubt still exist. If FAANG & Co are as interested in privacy as their advertising and TOS copies claim, the user should be able to allow independent servers or group to verify that the applications they’re running aren’t malicious, rather than having to rely on big tech itself – thieves spitting justice for its own breeds / allies!

So keep up sending gifts to Tim Cook and polity cat allies letting them know that you are getting rid of these curvy devices and will not buy any gadgets until they stop using the facade of security, and spreading defectives by design, encouraging other monsters like Google, Metabook, Microsoft and milking partners.

If you’re outraged about Adobe or Meta sending your pictures off their servers (you should be), please know other vendors do this too. The mobile and cloud apps Vikram Betal already bolted. Microsoft Edge automatically sends your key presses in Edge to MS – enabled by default. School / health Apps on cloud sends student / patient data to book sellers, edu shops, spy & govt agencies, hospitals, pharma companies etc.. and more. Microsoft Office 365 sends every photo and screenshot you add in Word, PowerPoint etc (including in emails) to Microsoft 365 Intelligent Services without prompt.. versatile FAANG’s love affair with NSA are well-known since quite many years.. Privacy trade on booster dose now.

Why security & privacy is a problem, if you’re not doing anything bad?

Not a problem if you enjoy unwanted people entering your home, peeping through windows, spraying poisons or viruses, installing cameras in your rooms. Same physical rights apply directly to digital rights. You should not want unknown people having access to your digital files, your photos, emails, website history, or your camera or microphone. Your home is your private life, your digital life should have the same rights and protections. If you’re relaxed and cool, you’re allowing governments and companies to infringe anyone’s privacy, including mine.

Prime’s First Law of AI Data Tech: “The more easier an app or tool for user, the more easier data theft becomes.”

Ref:
https://sneak.berlin/20201112/your-computer-isnt-yours/
https://www.fsf.org/campaigns/apple