Camera on Windows Phone 7 platform allegedly tracks users’ location
A lawsuit was filed against Microsoft in a Seattle federal court. Allegedly, their Windows Phone 7 handsets tracked users’ locations when the camera application was activated. The complainants even suggest that WP7 handsets continue to track locations, despite users asking to terminate the tracking software.
This could do a lot of damage to the operating system. Since Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS are constantly growing in popularity, this could get in the way of Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform in gaining a foothold on the market.
The complainant is an actual Windows Phone 7 handset user. This individual claims that accurate longitude and latitude is broadcasted every time the camera application is turned on.
In the past, Apple was in a similar situation. The Cupertino firm was also tracking locations, which was uncovered by two developers. These developers uncovered the use of location storage files on iPhones. Apple was quick to respond by saying that the files were used to assist the iPhone locate hotspots and cell towers.
If proven guilty, this could mean Microsoft was gathering phone locations for marketing purposes, which, according to former Apple CEO Steve Jobs, Android is already doing.
Of course, Microsoft is refusing to comment. We’ll keep you posted once we know more.
