Carrier IQ Controversy Lead to a Lawsuit Including Other Companies

CarrierIQ is facing a controversy regarding a violation against consumer privacy when a researcher Trevor Eckhart found out that the software for mobile solutions can do other things that consumers are unaware of. CarrierIQ is a built-in software in most phones and was intended to improve product performance as well as troubleshooting by recording data from certain activities of the phone. However, it was found out that CarrierIQ can also store information that can decode text messages as well HTTPS browsing data. HTTPS is a secured on-line browsing, wherein personal information such as bank accounts, passwords and credit card numbers are required.

The researcher’s discovery led CarrierIQ to face lawsuit with regards to violating Federal Wiretap Act and the Stored Electronic Communications Act. In addition to this, the company was also accused of violating the Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Aside from the carrier itself, some companies that have pre-installed CarrierIQ software, such as Apple, Motorola and Samsung, were also included in the lawsuit. In addition to this, wireless carriers Sprint and T-Mobile are also included even though they claimed that their services are under privacy protection. The controversy is still ongoing, and the lawsuit is being handled in Wilmington Delaware federal court.