The site blog.chpwn.com has reported that there is a version of Carrier IQ within Apple's iOS 5.x.x. I am sure that by now you have read the reports about Carrier IQ being discovered on mobile devices by Trevor Eckhart. The analysis on blog.chpwn.com is missing some key details as it relates to iOS 5.x.x that are useful in managing any RISK. To help users make informed decisions and understand the risk involved we will provide full details related to Apple's "Diagnostic & Usage Data."

Summary

In iOS 5.x.x you do not need to Jail Break the Phone and finding the information collected does not require technical expertise. (Just have to know where to look.) What is most important to note is that the data is anonymous and users have complete control. Turning off "Diagnostics and Usage" along with System Services Location will prevent any reporting. Users can view and disable the sharing of data on their iOS device running 5.x.x at anytime. What is collected, transmitted and how a user manages the collection of data is clearly stated in Apple's "About Diagnostics and Privacy" statement.

The improvements in the management of the data can be traced back to April 2011, when it was discovered that Apple was in fact tracking users location data. The result of that discovery has resulted in Apple providing a clear and concise way in which users can manage "Diagnostic & Usage Data." So after all there is something to be said for a company being scared straight.

Checking Your Diagnostic & Usage Files and Settings

Apple iOS 5.x.x during the inital setup phase will ask the user if they would like to share "Diagnostic & Usage Data." (This is disabled by default.) If a user enables this option data about the phone including location data related to cell service will be anonymously collected and sent to Apple. It is really easy to turn this option on and off and to review the data that has been collected and transmitted if the option is enabled.

If you go into Setting>General>About>Diagnostic & Usage you are presented with the following screen. On this device below automatically send diagnostic and usage data is turned on.