AfterDawn: Tech news

Carrier IQ hit with its first class-action lawsuit

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 02 Dec 2011 11:51 User comments (6)

Carrier IQ hit with its first class-action lawsuit That was fast.
Plaintiffs have sued Carrier IQ, and phone makers HTC and Samsung for violating federal wiretapping laws this week, just one day after the U.S. Senate got involved in the scandal.

For the past few weeks, there has been much ado about Carrier IQ, the software unknowingly pre-loaded in over 140 million smartphones around the world.

The company has been accused of being a rootkit/keylogger pre-installed on Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Nokia devices around the world. The software quietly watches and logs all keystrokes entered into the device, including texts. It also monitors location, when you shut your phone off, and who you call.



In the latest suit, violations of the Federal Wiretap Act, if convicted, will cost the company $100 per day, per violation. Conservatively saying that the company has been spying on you for 6 months, the fine could be as high as $2,520,000,000,000.

Class Action against Carrier IQ_ HTC

Previous Next  

6 user comments

12.12.2011 12:06

THANK (insert your favorite deity here)!!! Of course none of the people carrying the cell phones will see anything. Like always, some victims get to continue being victims. While others may want to step up & turn the tables.

I just want to know who the knot head was that didn't think this Carrier IQ through thoroughly enough & then who the money bags moron was that actually signed off on this that thought his ass was Kevlar protected; but give me a couple of minutes before you do... I want to get some popcorn.

22.12.2011 23:18

Why is Carrier IQ being sued? They didn't install the software! This is like suing a microphone manufacturer because someone else used their devices to spy on you. It is the carriers who are at fault.

33.12.2011 07:11
Ziggy43
Unverified new user

Wow,

$2,520,000,000,000 would go a long way towards solving our countries debt crisis.

43.12.2011 15:16

Originally posted by Ziggy43:
Wow,

$2,520,000,000,000 would go a long way towards solving our countries debt crisis.
Sure... so long as it went back to the tax payers rather than the politicians to continue to piss away.

53.12.2011 15:29

Originally posted by Ziggy43:
Wow,

$2,520,000,000,000 would go a long way towards solving our countries debt crisis.
LOL although the company would file for bankruptcy for any fine over $50 million or so, I'm sure :p

63.12.2011 16:24

Originally posted by KillerBug:
Why is Carrier IQ being sued? They didn't install the software! This is like suing a microphone manufacturer because someone else used their devices to spy on you. It is the carriers who are at fault.
While I agree to what your saying, keep in mind that this program was provided to these companies. evidentally to get a leg up in the competition. That's why CarrierIQ and other companies such as HTC are being sued, mainly because they knew about this and tried to hide from the average consumer what's going on with their phones. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want anybody putting a magnifying glass on me monitoring me every minute where and whom I'm taking or texting to.

Comments have been disabled for this article.

Latest news

Windows 11 26H2 released - Start menu changes, improved search, Task Manager changes, .. Windows 11 26H2 released - Start menu changes, improved search, Task Manager changes, .. (30 Sep 2026 12:48)
Microsoft released Windows 11 version 26H2, bringing light updates and deeper AI integration. This update is the first more lightly installing annual Windows update.
Meta VR Glasses revealed - very light, tons of 3D content coming up Meta VR Glasses revealed - very light, tons of 3D content coming up (24 Sep 2026 3:23)
Meta introduced new pair of VR glasses that combine entertainment, work, and AI. According to Meta, lightweight glasses offer an unobtrusive virtual reality experience with cutting-edge technology and an intuitive user interface.
Samsung smart refrigerators received a software update - stopped working, food spoiled Samsung smart refrigerators received a software update - stopped working, food spoiled (24 Sep 2026 3:17)
According to Korean media sources, a software update for Samsung's smart refrigerators has failed miserably. After the update, the refrigerators stopped working completely, and several consumers report that their food has spoiled.
1 user comment
Now sharing links to Facebook costs money Now sharing links to Facebook costs money (22 Sep 2026 5:57)
Meta has started restricting the sharing of external links on Facebook pages, moving a feature that has been completely free and self-evident until now behind an expensive paywall.
Winamp makes a comeback - combines streaming and MP3 player Winamp makes a comeback - combines streaming and MP3 player (20 Sep 2026 3:37)
Winamp returns to the market in 2027 as a streaming service. The new version combines a traditional MP3 player and modern streaming services. Deezer will provide the streaming for Winamp through a partnership.

News archive