Carrier IQ in leaked OS: is this possible?

[dynot]

I read on the CB blog that T-Mobile does indeed install Carrier IQ attached to the App World application. Which got me thinking: if we install a leaked OS meant for a carrier which allows this, is it possible that we will inadvertently install it on our device? If so, to whom does the data gathered get sent to: my carrier, the carrier of the leaked OS, or Carrier IQ itself?

[P00r]

I think it's broadcasted on facebook in that particular case...

[sjsplaty]

RIM claims that it does not install Carrier IQ on any handsets. T-Mobile states that it does install it as part of its MyAccount App. As long as you don't install this app, Carrier IQ should not be installed, therefore no data should be collected. I deduce from this that since RIM does not install it natively, it would only be installed by a carrier via the authorized downloaded app, which is blind to what OS you install. I do know that if I do a wipe/install of an OS on my Tmo Bold 9700, regardless of whether it is leaked or official, there is a "my account" icon on my BB. If i click on this, it takes me to a Blackberry Preload screen, which I then either have to accept or deny. As long as i don't click accept, it does not install the app. And, I believe that if it is indeed installed, it would most likely report the data back to the carrier.

[avelvethammer]

Any word if AT&T is using carrier IQ? We all know they would never admit to it.

[joeldf]

Originally Posted by avelvethammer

Any word if AT&T is using carrier IQ? We all know they would never admit to it.

Actually, they have. It was a blanket statement that they do use it. However, there was no further clarification about which phones they use it on, if not all of them.

I can't seem to find it on my phone on AT&T. Although, I am running another carrier's OS right now.

[Krypto]

You guys won't find it on the OS. It's installed separately as a carrier app. For example, its included on the TMobile My Account app to help TMobile troubleshoot network and battery problems.

[Tõnis]

... and spy on its users.

[BigBadWulf]

Originally Posted by Tõnis

... and spy on its users.

Considering you have to authorize it, I wouldn't exactly call it spying.

http://crackberry.com/rim-doesnt-ins...-t-mobile-does

[Tõnis]

Oh, no. I didn't mean RIM. I was referring to T-Mobile's sneaky little sleazy way of sticking Carrier IQ spyware in the otherwise useful MyAccount app.

PS -- thanks for the link. I did see that, and I think it's great that people in the cb community have come together, putting differences aside and sharing information, especially about this, as it becomes available.

[ubizmo]

Originally Posted by dynot

I read on the CB blog that T-Mobile does indeed install Carrier IQ attached to the App World application. Which got me thinking: if we install a leaked OS meant for a carrier which allows this, is it possible that we will inadvertently install it on our device? If so, to whom does the data gathered get sent to: my carrier, the carrier of the leaked OS, or Carrier IQ itself?

When you activate your phone, regardless of which OS it is, various bloatware download icons get pushed to your device. If you activate with T-Mobile, one of them will be "My Account". If you download and install the app, you'll have CarrierIQ on your device. If you don't, you won't. It has nothing to do with which OS you are using.

[ralfyguy]

Well AT&T has a similar app called My AT&T. My buddy has it on his Android, and he cannot uninstall it. Fortunately the app isn't available for the 9810.

[gordonzhao]

I will say this, running Android, as long as you're rooted you can uninstall anything you want. Using Titanium Backup, especially bloatware, I uninstalled every one of the T-Mobile apps.