RIM, Nokia assure absence of Carrier IQ on their phones

Only yesterday, we reported and subsequently introduced you to the misdeeds of Carrier IQ - one of the leading providers of mobile Intelligence solutions in the wireless industry, who were accused of snooping into the private details of the users’ smartphones, an accusation, which they accepted. Now, an official post by RIM assures users that those using BlackBerry smartphones needn’t worry about any rootkit programs by Carrier IQ. 

No Carrier IQ on our smartphones 

Just as reports about the supposed Carrier IQ interventions on several smartphones began making rounds, RIM issued a statement saying, “RIM can attest that it does not pre-install the CarrierIQ application on BlackBerry smartphones and has never done so. Furthermore, RIM does not authorize its carrier partners to install the CarrierIQ application on BlackBerry smartphones before sales or distribution and has never done so. RIM also did not develop or commission the development of the CarrierIQ application, nor is RIM involved in any way in the testing, promotion, or distribution of the CarrierIQ application.” A Nokia spokesperson via a tweet stated that, “CarrierIQ has not shipped products for Nokia devices.”

The accusations, which trickled in yesterday revealed that Android smartphones and iPhones were the ones suspectedly infected by the rootkit programs. Worryingly though, it has been learnt that Carrier IQ works closely with handset manufacturers, so irrespective of whether you’ve bought the phone on contract, you may have this rootkit in your phone. 

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