The Screen Goes Black

Every now and then, we see reports on the internet or in the mainstream media about a civilian attempting to document an altercation between the police and one or more people. Utilizing a trusty cell phone, the bystander takes a video of the situation. If the person is far enough away, their efforts tend to be successful. However, if they are too close to the proximity of the police, officers often try to get them to stop through intimidation or taking the cell phone away from them (and often not giving it back).

But thanks to the people at Apple, the police might soon be able to click a button on their holster to shutoff the cell phone and to continue with whatever they are up to without prying eyes documenting it.

So you think you control your smartphone? Think again.

Late last week reports uncovered a plan by Apple, manufacturer of the iPhone, to patent technology that can detect when people are using their phone cameras and shut them down.

Apple says this technology was intended to stop people from recording video at live concerts, which should worry the creative commons crowd. But a remote "kill switch" has far more sinister applications in the hands of repressive governments. And it further raises concerns about the power new media companies hold over our right to connect and communicate.
~ from Apple's Pre-Emptive Strike Against Free Speech by Tim Karr ~