Privatizing a registry
The .gov wants Apple and Google to turn over the names of people who downloaded a gun scope app:
Its an unprecedented move: Never before has a case been disclosed in which American investigators demanded personal data of users of a single app from Apple and Google. And never has an order been made public where the feds have asked the Silicon Valley giants for info on so many thousands of people in one go.
According to an application for a court order filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on September 5, investigators want information on users of Obsidian 4, a tool used to control rifle scopes made by night-vision specialist American Technologies Network Corp. The app allows gun owners to get a live stream, take video and calibrate their gun scope from an Android or iPhone device. According to the Google Play page for Obsidian 4, it has more than 10,000 downloads. Apple doesnt provide download numbers, so its unclear how many iPhone owners could be swept up in this latest government data grab.
The app is easy enough to find.
September 6th, 2019 at 4:25 pm
but why tho?
September 6th, 2019 at 4:55 pm
For ‘reasons’ mostly:
“The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) department is seeking information as part of a broad investigation into possible breaches of weapons export regulations. It’s looking into illegal exports of ATN’s scope”
“…will assist the government in identifying networks engaged in the unlawful export of this rifle scope through identifying end users located in countries to which export of this item is restricted”
So they are looking for users of the scope app that reside outside the US. Although the order should SPECIFY that scope limitation and not demand a list of ALL users of the app.
September 6th, 2019 at 9:24 pm
“So they are looking for users of the scope app that reside outside the US.”
For now.
September 7th, 2019 at 8:45 am
Considering the darn thing is made in RUSSIA for cryin’ out loud, this whole excuse sounds like the purist BS. Sounds more like a fishing expedition to find out how many of these are owned by “white terrorists”. Just another reason to avod apple, android and all those other “Let us help you” apps.