Technology

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A nice place to discuss rumors, happenings, innovations, and challenges in the technology sphere. We also welcome discussions on the intersections of technology and society. If it’s technological news or discussion of technology, it probably belongs here.

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287

I Tested an HDMI Adapter That Demands Your Location, Browsing Data, Photos, and Spams You with Ads (www.404media.co)

submitted 1 year ago by trashhalo@beehaw.org to c/technology@beehaw.org

23 comments fedilink hide all child comments

An iPhone to HDMI adapter was discovered that, when plugged in, runs a program prompting users to download an app. This EZ Cast app collects extensive personal data and sends it to China for ad targeting. It requires location access, photos, and installs tracking cookies. The adapter appears designed to mimic official Apple products. While its intentions are unclear, it demonstrates how such devices could enable privacy risks by introducing untrusted software into a user's devices. Analysis of a similar EZCast dongle found it was vulnerable and not designed with security in mind. Reviews complain the app is useless or a scam. The adapter may have originated as unsold Amazon returns later acquired by electronics recyclers. Its existence relates to concerns about privacy and navigation issues on online marketplaces.

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[–] Fizz@lemmy.nz 53 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Stuff like this is why I handle all technology for my family.

[–] reflex@kbin.social 10 points 1 year ago

Stuff like this is why I handle all technology for my family.

😏👍 Gandalf vibes.

[–] acastcandream@beehaw.org 5 points 1 year ago

I feel like I need a stipend at this point

[–] XTornado@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago

Uhm... do you have space for another family? Can I send them your way? I hate being the technical guy.... specially because somehow in the modern world suddenly a big amount of people lost the ability to read and understand text on an screen, and not just when there is technical jargon or long terms and conditions, just normal simple text.

[–] soulfirethewolf@lemdro.id 2 points 1 year ago

Exactly. If you don't, they'll try to cut corners and wind up with something bad