Edward Kirk
December 8th, 2008, 04:22 PM
<div id="inlinead" class="inlinead"><IFRAME src="http://adserver1.backbeatmedia.com/servlet/ajrotator/13894/222/viewHTML?pool=13886&type=3158&pos=20&zone=5000" width="300" height="250" align="middle" frameborder=0 marginwidth=0 marginheight=0 scrolling=no><script language="JavaScript" src="http://adserver1.backbeatmedia.com/servlet/ajrotator/13894/222/viewJScript?pool=13886&type=3158&pos=20&zone=5000"></script></IFRAME></div><div class="nodecontent"><img src="http://www.iphonealley.com/images/storyimages/iphone3g_downreflect.jpg" align="right"/>
The New York Times published an article yesterday outlining the controversy surrounding the Egyptian government's <a href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/iphone-launches-on-two-carriers-in-egypt-with-no-gps" target="_blank">requirement</a> that Apple disable the GPS capabilities of all iPhones sold in the country. <!--break-->
The government claims that the GPS capability is considered a security issue, and might be used to tag a military base or something of that nature. However, as Egyptian blogger for <a href="http://gadgetsarabia.com/" target="_blank">GadgetsArabia.com</a> points out, clear snapshots of any location, including one where civilians are not allowed, is perfectly available using the Maps app.
With the public advocates upset about the lack of GPS, the question of blame arises. Should Apple be blamed for not trying to stand up to the Egyptian government, or should the government already known to be oppressive be expected to change their views for the iPhone? Either way, oppression and trouble tend to go hand in hand.
[via <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/technology/personaltech/08link.html?_r=3&ref=technology" target="_blank">NY Times</a>]</div>
The New York Times published an article yesterday outlining the controversy surrounding the Egyptian government's <a href="http://www.iphonealley.com/news/iphone-launches-on-two-carriers-in-egypt-with-no-gps" target="_blank">requirement</a> that Apple disable the GPS capabilities of all iPhones sold in the country. <!--break-->
The government claims that the GPS capability is considered a security issue, and might be used to tag a military base or something of that nature. However, as Egyptian blogger for <a href="http://gadgetsarabia.com/" target="_blank">GadgetsArabia.com</a> points out, clear snapshots of any location, including one where civilians are not allowed, is perfectly available using the Maps app.
With the public advocates upset about the lack of GPS, the question of blame arises. Should Apple be blamed for not trying to stand up to the Egyptian government, or should the government already known to be oppressive be expected to change their views for the iPhone? Either way, oppression and trouble tend to go hand in hand.
[via <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/08/technology/personaltech/08link.html?_r=3&ref=technology" target="_blank">NY Times</a>]</div>