Apple patents behaviour tracking software for added iPhone security

Last week, Apple submitted a new patent application, “Generating Notifications Based On User Behaviour,” that continuously monitors and authenticates an individual’s use of his or her smartphone.

Apple’s system is designed to compile a history of personal data ranging from input gesture patterns, commonly traveled locations, and motion sensor readings that will be compared to real-time patterns of behaviour for user authenticity. Even data associated with an individual’s unique grammar, vocabulary, and keyboard orientation preferences can be tracked, analysed, and stored. Based on this information, the moment the pattern recognition system determines a user is not the actual owner, your device will either be shut off or an alert will be sent. Purposefully zapping an unwitting thief with a bolt of lightening is optional. I kid.

(Image: AppleInsider)

Although this is sure to make data privacy advocates incredibly uneasy, Apple’s new system appears intent on keeping the user in full control over their personal data. According to AppleInsider, “the behaviour learning server can be programmed by the user to ignore certain types of behaviour like location preferences. In these cases, generalisations and relative positioning replace granular data, protecting individuals from intrusive analysis.”

No doubt, this is part of Apple’s larger vision of establishing cross-platform security as apps and devices increasingly rely on cloud-based systems for accessing, managing, and storing sensitive data.

This article by Kristian Markus originally appeared on TechGenMag