EFF Criticizes Plan for Restrictive New Cell Technology

The Trusted Computing Group (TCG), an industry consortium developing controversial computer security specifications, has released a wish list of applications of TCG technology to cell phone security. Unfortunately, much of this “security” aims to help cell phone carriers cement their control over their customers.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) attended TCG’s announcement in San Francisco on Tuesday and criticized the proposals as steps in the wrong direction for the future of mobile communications.

“TCG is proudly offering to help cell phone carriers lock down your phone,” said EFF Staff Technologist Seth Schoen. “The proposals described today aim to help your cell phone company decide who can publish software or media for your phone, whether you can load your own documents, and even whether you can switch carriers or resell your phone. These are not innovations that consumers will applaud.”

[Continue reading Trusted Computing Group Helps Lock Down Mobile Phones]