this post was submitted on 29 Sep 2023
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Technology

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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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[–] DeForrest_McCoy@beehaw.org 85 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (3 children)

It's shit like this that really just makes me want to start the Butlerian Jihad for real.

[–] lauha@lemmy.one 26 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You want to destroy all machines because capitalists are greedy? Shouldn't we do something about the capitalists instead, and leave innocent machines alone.

[–] jarfil@beehaw.org 4 points 1 year ago

Some post-humanist trends propose extinction as a fair way of achieving that, since it seems like greed is an inherent part of human nature.

[–] someguy3@lemmy.ca 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] OneCardboardBox@lemmy.sdf.org 50 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Universe-wide destruction of machines "designed to do the work of a human mind".

It's the reason why there aren't any computers in the Dune novels.

[–] Grimpen@lemmy.ca 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Better start training the Mentats.

[–] displaced_city_mouse@midwest.social 16 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

It is by will alone I set my mind in motion.

It is by the juice of sapho that thoughts acquire speed, the lips acquire stains.

The stains become a warning.

It is by will alone I set my mind in motion

[–] flicker@kbin.social 8 points 1 year ago

I used to drink a lot of juice of Sappho when I was a younger woman and it never left a stain.

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

I am a bigger fan of Project Mayhem, well except the fighting stuff between them.

[–] Retiring@lemmy.ml 63 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It’s a bit rich for a site that uses about 200 „legitimate interest“ cookies to complain about chinese practices.

[–] jarfil@beehaw.org 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

"But"... are they Chinese cookies? /s

[–] 01189998819991197253@infosec.pub 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

No one wants Fujian cookies! Haha

Actually, that sounds pretty interesting. I'd try it

[–] 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

[–] Bebo@literature.cafe 17 points 1 year ago

This is just atrocious.

[–] AbstractifyBot@beehaw.org 10 points 1 year ago

TL;DR of the linked article


Click to expand

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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