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.

  • Retiring@lemmy.ml
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    1 year ago

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

    • XTornado@lemmy.ml
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      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.

  • AbstractifyBot@beehaw.orgB
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    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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    • aname@lemmy.one
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      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.