Smartphones Leaking Data
Randy Siegel
Latest posts by Randy Siegel (see all)
- Freedom of Choice vs. Oppression of Big Tech - November 6, 2024
- The Case for Free/Libre and Open-Source Software: Enhancing Security and Privacy in the Digital Age - October 22, 2024
- RIP RSA AES: The Immediate Need of Quantum-Resistant Cryptography - October 22, 2024
When you use smartphones from big tech companies, you’re often trading your privacy for convenience. These devices are designed to collect vast amounts of data about you, from your location to your browsing habits, and even your conversations. This data is then used to build detailed profiles that are sold to advertisers, used to exploit you, and even handed over to government agencies without your knowledge nor consent.
Take the iPhone, for example. It’s equipped with multiple microphones that can be activated without your approval. This means that your device could be listening to you even when you think it’s idle. The microphone “issue” is one that is well-known, with companies offering bags, sleeves, and cases that mitigate the issue by surrounding the phone itself.
This constant surveillance poses a significant risk to your privacy, as sensitive information can be captured and potentially misused.
At Purism, we believe in putting the control back in your hands. Our devices are designed with privacy and security as the top priorities, ensuring that your data remains yours and yours alone.
Purism takes a comprehensive approach to privacy, emphasizing user control and consent. Here are some key aspects of their strategy:
- Privacy by Design: Purism’s devices, like the Liberty Phone, Librem 5 phone, and Librem laptops, are built with privacy as a core principle. They use hardware kill switches to physically disconnect the microphone, camera, and wireless communications, ensuring that these components can’t be activated without your physical consent.
- Open Source Software: All Purism devices run on PureOS, a fully open-source operating system. This transparency allows users to verify that there are no hidden backdoors or data collection mechanisms.
- No PII Data Collection: Purism’s philosophy is to collect as little data as possible and only to ship your device. They believe that the best way to protect your data is not to collect it in the first place.
In side-by-side tests, when one leaves a smartphone unattended but in the “on” position for 24 hours, ~4GB of data “leaks” from Google Android-based phones, and ~3GB from Apple’s IOS or iPhones. This contrasts with 0GB of leakage with Purism devices. There is no user data collection by Purism period. - User Empowerment: Purism provides users with the tools and knowledge to take control of their privacy. This includes offering privacy-focused cellular plans and educating users on best practices for maintaining their privacy.
- Defense in Depth: Purism employs multiple layers of privacy defenses. If one layer is bypassed, others are in place to protect your data. This approach is similar to security practices but tailored specifically for privacy.
By focusing on these principles, Purism aims to offer devices that respect your privacy and give you control over your personal information.
Purism Products and Availability Chart
| Model | Status | Lead Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Librem Key (Made in USA) | In Stock ($59+) | 10 business days | |
 | Librem 5 | In Stock ($699+) 3GB/32GB | 10 business days | |
| Librem 5 COMSEC Bundle | In Stock ($1299+) Qty 2; 3GB/32GB | 10 business days | |
| Liberty Phone (Made in USA Electronics) | Backorder ($1,999+) 4GB/128GB | Estimated fulfillment February | |
| Librem 5 + SIMple (3 GB Data) | In Stock ($99/mo) | 10 business days | |
| Librem 5 + SIMple Plus (5 GB Data) | In Stock ($129/mo) | 10 business days | |
| Librem 5 + AweSIM (Unlimited Data) | In Stock ($169/mo) | 10 business days | |
 | Librem 11 | In Stock ($999+) 8GB/1TB | 10 business days | |
 | Librem 14 | Backorder ($1,370+) | Estimated fulfillment December | |
 | Librem Mini | Backorder ($799+) | 10 business days | |
 | Librem Server | In Stock ($2,999+) | 45 business days |
Recent Posts
Related Content
- Freedom of Choice vs. Oppression of Big Tech
- The Case for Free/Libre and Open-Source Software: Enhancing Security and Privacy in the Digital Age
- True Choice for Smartphone Privacy and Security
- The Imperative of NIST-Approved Post-Quantum Resistant Algorithms for Securing Mobile Devices
- Quantum Safe Communication with Purism
