Feds launch Carrier IQ investigation

Federal investigators have launched a probe in order to examine Carrier IQ’s smartphone software, which tracks a range of activity and sends certain data to wireless carriers without users’ knowledge. Carrier IQ executives met with officials from both the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commuission on Tuesday, The Washington Post reports. “We are complying with all investigations at this time as we have nothing to hide,” said Carrier IQ representative Mira Woods. “We have been completely transparent through this process.” Read on for more.

Security researcher Trevor Eckhart recently pulled Carrier IQ back into the spotlight after the firm’s software first ruffled feathers back in September. Carrier IQ says its software “collects enough information to understand the customer experience with devices on our network and how to devise solutions to use and connection problems,” but Eckhart shed light on the scope of data collected by Carrier IQ, which may include personal data, location data and even key strokes.

Allegations that the Federal Bureau of Investigation may also be using Carrier IQ software to spy on smartphone users arose on Tuesday when the FBI denied a Freedom of Information Act request for materials related to the Carrier IQ scandal. A number of manufacturers and carriers have commented on whether or not they use Carrier IQ software, but the statements have done little to calm a concerned public or prevent a new wave of lawsuits.

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Tags: Carrier IQ, FCC, FTC, investigation, rootkit, Spyware

Zach Epstein