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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[–] Retiring@lemmy.ml 58 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 9 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

[–] Lightrider@lemmynsfw.com 52 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] Marsupial@quokk.au 14 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Spoken like someone who cant handle innovation.

[–] bermuda@beehaw.org 48 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] Darkrai@kbin.social 23 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Capitalism invented inventing things lol

Edit: my favorite capitalism invention https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence

[–] Fizz@lemmy.nz 42 points 1 year ago (4 children)

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

[–] reflex@kbin.social 9 points 1 year ago

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

😏👍 Gandalf vibes.

[–] 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.

[–] acastcandream@beehaw.org 3 points 1 year ago

I feel like I need a stipend at this point

[–] 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 16 points 1 year ago

This is just atrocious.

[–] AbstractifyBot@beehaw.org 6 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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[–] DeForrest_McCoy@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

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

[–] lauha@lemmy.one 0 points 1 year ago

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