I Tested an HDMI Adapter That Demands Your Location, Browsing Data, Photos, and Spams You with Ads

trashhalo@beehaw.org to Technology@beehaw.org – 274 points –
I Tested an HDMI Adapter That Demands Your Location, Browsing Data, Photos, and Spams You with Ads
404media.co

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.

19

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

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

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.

What's that?

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.

Better start training the Mentats.

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

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

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

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

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

No one wants Fujian cookies! Haha

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

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

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.

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

TL;DR of the linked article


::: spoiler 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. :::


This comment was generated by a bot. Send comments and complaints via private message.