iphone "kill switch" software

Today Cnet posted a follow up the recent news that the 2nd Gen Iphone (Thats the 3G model) has software embedded within it that will contact Apple servers from time to time and limit the functionality of certain applications installed by the user (Presumably) on the device.

Basically, the code could allow Apple to remove any program on your iPhone that it deems to be bad for any reason.

HUH!?!?

If this sounds a little strange, its because it is strange. I cannot think of another circumstance where a company is allowed to touch your property without your consent or knowledge.

However, it seems that some of consumer's privacy concerns may be unwarranted, according to Cnet's latest piece. In this latest article Cnet reports that a "Source" within Apple has made assurances that the software is only intended to be used to "Wall off rogue programs" from the iphones "Location specific" software.

Smells a lot fishy to me! It sounds like consumers are being told not to worry and to trust Apple, because the company knows whats best.

All I have to say is, no company knows whats best for me! I would certainly not want to have the application on my phone unless I was expressly notified of its presence and expressly approved of it.

Whats more, all we have is this "Source's" word that Apple will play nice. The fear being of course, that someone will install a 3rd party app and Apple won't like it and remove it. Even though this source SAYS thats the way it will be doesn't really instill confidence in me. Frankly, I don't feel that Apple has a good track record of good faith.

See iphone price drop w/o fully compensating customers who bought at full price.

See classic ipod (the latest model) having software/hardware that requires proprietary Apple A/V cables to output video.

If the code is so harmless, it seems logical that Apple would have A. responded quickly and officially to the recent fervor, B. informed the public of the software initially to avoid such speculation and C. would have provided customers with an "opt out" option at their "own risk".

You will note that this is not the case, and Apple did NOT notify anyone of its presence.

Sure this could be explained away as having been done for "Security purposes" but it matters little given the huge potential for abuse.

Even if Apple does not abuse the code, what about the potential for outside abuse from cyber criminals? It seems like a lot of risk.

Time will tell, and of course an official news bulletin from Apple will undoubtedly be forthcoming. I will be interested to hear what they have to say.