Suspected PayPal Hackers Seek Deal To Stay Out Of Prison
Scripps Employees Called 'Hackers' For Exposing Massive Security Flaw
New Jersey Feds Call Grand Jury Investigation Into Smartphone Apps
Federal prosecutors in New Jersey have called for a grand jury investigation to determine whether or not smartphone apps have been illegally gathering and spreading users' personal information.According to the Wall Street Journal, federal authorities are looking into whether or not app manufacturers properly disclosed the kinds of personal information their apps collect from users, and whether or not they provided justification for doing so. Failure to notify and inform consumers about data gathering could constitute a violation of federal law, a source close to the investigation explained.
Pandora Media confirmed the investigation yesterday, when an SEC filing from the company revealed that it had received a subpoena in "early 2011." According to the company, though, Pandora Media is "not a specific target of the investigation," as "similar subpoenas were issued on an industry-wide basis." Anthony Campiti, the man behind the 'Pumpkin Maker' iPhone app, also confirmed that he received a subpoena. Neither Google nor Apple commented on the matter.
Back in December, the Journal tested 101 apps for Android and iPhone, and discovered that many of them automatically share information with third parties, including a users' age, gender, location, and unique phone ID numbers. If any of these app makers didn't properly inform users that they would be sharing these types of data, they could be in violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.
At this point, though, it's unclear where the probe will lead, or whether or not it will even result in criminal charges. The investigation will likely take several months to complete, and it could eventually turn into a civil case.
PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Live from Microsoft's New Generation Xbox event!
Demi Looks FANTASTIC In A Bikini
Xbox Reveal liveblog on Joystiq
Dozens Killed in Oklahoma Tornado; Death Toll to Rise
Who Won 'DWTS'?
Justin Bieber Booed, Gets Standing Ovation at Billboard Music Awards
2013 Billboard Music Awards Best and Worst Dressed
PHOTOS: This Is The Best Response To Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries We've Seen Yet
Watch: Kansas Meteorologist Seeks Shelter From Tornado
Xbox One architecture panel liveblog!
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
Two Pilots Fired After Brazilian Pop Star Takes Captain's Seat Mid-Flight
Selena Gomez Leaving Justin Bieber's House: Booty Call Rumors Swirl
Rescuers Continue Search For Tornado Survivors
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
The World's Most Powerful Women
PHOTOS: Christie Brinkley Gets Back Into A Swimsuit At 59 Years Old
Mother Dies With Infant During Oklahoma Tornado
U.S. Acknowledges Four American Citizens Killed In Drone Strikes
NY Times Eviscerates Obama White House
Help For Heroes Killing
PHOTOS: Tornado Aftermath Leaves Trail Of Destruction
15 Incredible Cat Photobombs
White Father Allegedly Suspected Of Kidnapping Biracial Daughters
Singer Sues McDonald's, Claims Chicken Sandwich Incident Ruined Her Voice
Grossed Out Student Finds "Worm" In His McMuffin
CBS Reporter's Grave Allegations
Tornadoes Strike Oklahoma
Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Put Their Romance On Display
Guess Who?
