Apple's Secret Plan To Join iPhones With Airport Security 232
Hugh Pickens writes "Currently — as most of us know — TSA agents briefly examine government ID and boarding passes as each passenger presents their documents at a checkpoint at the end of a security line. Thom Patterson writes at CNN that under a 2008 Apple patent application that was approved in July and filed under the working title "iTravel," a traveler's phone would automatically send electronic identification to a TSA agent as soon as the traveler got in line and as each traveler waits in line. TSA agents would examine the electronic ID at an electronic viewing station. Next, at the X-ray stations, a traveler's phone would confirm to security agents that the traveler's ID had already been checked. Apple's patent calls for the placement of special kiosks (PDF) around the airport which will automatically exchange data with your phone via a close range wireless technology called near field communication (NFC). Throughout the process, the phone photo could be displayed on a screen for comparison with the traveler. Facial recognition software could be included in the process. Several experts say a key question that must be answered is: How would you prove that the phone is yours? To get around this problem, future phones or electronic ID may require some form of biometric security function including photo, fingerprint and photo retinal scan comparisons. Of course, there is still a ways to go. If consumers, airlines, airports and the TSA don't embrace the NFC kiosks, experts say it's unlikely Apple's vision would become reality. 'First you would have to sell industry on Apple's idea. Then you'd have to sell it to travel consumers,' says Neil Hughes of Apple Insider. 'It's a chicken-and-egg problem.'"
Secret HOW? Nice Headline Slashdot... (Score:5, Informative)
Apple submitted the patent in 2008, it was approved in July, and both Slashdot and CNN are talking about it today, so this is "secret" HOW?
In all likelihood, it would be a service that would be available *IF YOU WANT IT*
Christ, people, if you suffer from this type of PARANOIA regularly, seek professional help.
Re:A 1984 device ? (Score:4, Informative)
how about they just fuck the TSA right off, and everyone can go back to being chilled and not freaking out about being on a plane. TSA has stopped 0 terrorists, but has sexually assulted millions.
Leave your cell phone at home... (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Also, Apple would need NFC in their phones (Score:3, Informative)
As opposed to non-hackable NFC?
"Summary: Using a pair of zero day vulnerabilities, a team of security researchers from U.K.-based MWR Labs hacked into a Samsung Galaxy S3 phone running Android 4.0.4 by beaming an exploit via NFC"
http://www.zdnet.com/exploit-beamed-via-nfc-to-hack-samsung-galaxy-s3-android-4-0-4-7000004510/ [zdnet.com]
Re:Companies: Apple isn't forever (Score:4, Informative)
It depends. Consumers had abandoned General Motors and drove them into bankruptcy. But luckily for them they own enough politicians so they just stole $50 Billion from Bond holders and another $50 Billion from the same people that won't buy their cars and BOOM back in business making cars nobody wants.
Re:Also, Apple would need NFC in their phones (Score:5, Informative)
They were 1 centimeter away from the back side of the phone.
Don't you think someone would notice that? The exploit was not NFC specific, and BOTH sender and receiver had to be manipulated to authorizet the transmission. Way to troll.
Re:Also, Apple would need NFC in their phones (Score:4, Informative)
Every time I'm bumped and the guy asks me to open my phone and tap OK, it sticks in my mind.