[Macworld]

Post your comments for Jobs confirms iPhone application "kill switch" here

[jddmacworld]

I thinks having a Kill Switch is fine. With all of the idiots in this world, sooner or later it will be needed.

[ComputerJanitor]

Seems like a variation of the kill switch was considered a desirable feature for Enterprise Clients. They wanted a way to erase the entire device, not just one app, if it came up missing or stolen. I thought iPhone 2.0 software had that feature. The fact that any variation of a 'kill switch' was so easily compromised is the scary part.

[leicaman]

I'm fine with it until Apple proves they shouldn't have that power. Until then any doomsday scenario is mere speculation - mostly by people who have nothing good to say about Apple to begin with.

[hysonmb]

It's cool to have this type of app. It's also cool that they'll admit to it!

On the other hand, seriously, if MS were to have done something like this in Windows Mobile.... that's all I'll say.

[nalinv]

Sounds like "mission impossible stuff" - this app will self destruct in 5 seconds...:)
I think its a good idea that Jobs had to include this self kill mechanism.

[tony_d]

I'm giving Apple the benefit of the doubt here. Its CYA for Apple really. If they didn't build this into the firmware and we did end up with a "malicious program—one that stole users’ personal data" the press would hang Apple out to dry.

[klasseng]

I don't know what everyone has their knickers in a knot about here, it's not news. Control over malevolent apps was mentioned in the original App Store announcements from SJ.

[jester888]

This is a BAD idea.
As the old proverb goes.. “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” Sure, Apple could have all of the best intentions to “only” use the switch when there is a ‘bad’ app out there. But as it has already been proven, Apple has not been very clear on what it defines as “bad”. Take a look a the I Am Rich app. It did nothing malicious, but Apple didn’t like it so they yanked it.
What about jailbreaking? Will it allow them to kill apps that were installed after the phone has been jailbroke?
Take it a simple step further, what else can they do with this ‘kill switch’? Is it limited to killing 3rd party applications or can it also kill your phone? What about look through your contacts, email and private content? Is there a limit to its functionality?
Historically speaking, very few companies can be trusted to do what is right instead of what will strengthen their bottom line. Apple is NO different.
By simply allowing this kind of functionality, Apple is opening themselves up to scrutiny, risk, and a HUGE PR problem.
And finally, the biggest reason why this is not and never will be a good idea. EVERY piece of DRM, and don’t be fooled, that is exactly what this is, has been cracked. What kind of controls does Apple have in place to keep this kill switch locked down? How long till Joe Hacker down the street finds it and starts abusing it? If Apple’s response to the DNS vulnerability is any indication, which is has been shown, of their corporate position on security and ability to manage risks, then I would be VERY afraid of the chances it gets released into the wild. It is not a matter of IF, it is only a matter of when. Also, again given their response to the DNS vulnerability, who is to say that this function is not bug free? What if some glitch in the function causes any of the previously mentioned?
This is no different than the police having a kill switch for your car or Microsofts newest Digital Manners Management scheme. The bottom line is, who gets to make the decision and how long till it is out in the wild?

[jmincey]

I'm not enamored of this myself. It's one thing to support a remote delete for enterprise IT in the event an iPhone is lost or stolen, but a selective kill switch for software Apple doesn't like is a different kettle of fish.
Imagine if Apple had a kill switch for applications on your computer -- how would you feel about THAT? Would you not consider it an overstepping of authority and an intrusion into what is rightly your domain?
Well, what's the difference? The iPhone is simply another computing platform -- albeit a mobile or handheld platform. And I want to be the arbiter of the software I use -- not a corporation.
Jeff Mincey

[JerryMPrice]

Hello Big Brother.

[kboone34]

Just don't buy the phone. Use it only for what it was intended for and nothing more. Think about it, would Steve Blamer have told you the truth. I'm sure Blamer, after mocking the iPhone, will soon copy it and call it something new. You can buy that one. Problem solved. P.S. Big Brother has been here for a long time, but idiots have been here longer. So is it needed, how about answering that question!

[nextwave]

That anyone would defend this is just astonishing.

If business-people need some sort of kill switch on their fleet of iPhones, then fine, have Apple send them one and let the company install it.

But to give Apple the ability to flip the switch on anyone's phone? That's astonishing.

I can't think of anything that demonstrates more clearly how Apple's fans are blind to the company's sins.

[Oldmanwoerle]

Kudos to you Jester bringing up important points that many people either forget or don't realize. There is a big difference between the business world asking for that functionality and a regular consumer unknowingly having such a piece of technology on their phone. I think the consumer should be very cautious of apple exploiting this kill switch on programs like I Am Rich (which I am of the opinion that Apples removal of that software is an illegal and monopolistic move. If someone wants to spend $1,000 to gloat about being rich, let them. Its their choice. Steve Jobs is not my Dad nor do I want him to act like he is.). Furthermore a corporation has people in charge of security to close up the possible holes that this kill switch opens up on you phone. Security that a consumer doesn't have. To me this stinks of the Sony debacle when they were installing software onto peoples computer to allow them to check it for illegally downloaded songs (This was also a kill switch in a way, and opened up peoples computers that DID get attacked by hackers through this security hole). Up until now Apple has enjoyed the saftey of low market share that has made it impractical for hackers to attack Macs, this security is fast erroding and Apple needs to realize this, step up to the plate and do something about it or they will soon get the same reputation as windows when it comes to security.

Also who is to say that one day (probably soon) someone won't develop a competing media player to itunes for the IPhone? As it stands right now Apple won't sell that through the App store (Can we say monopolistic again?). Now I am not aware if I can download iphone apps to my iphone (I don't own one. Att wants to charge me 500 for mine. 299 for everyone huh Steve? I don't think so) directly from a website and not through the App Store, but if they were to develop one and I got it from somewhere outside of the App Store, what is stopping Apple from removing that from my phone without my knowledge (and most likely without compensation)? This stinks of bad practice and consumers should be very cautious.
Now just to be clea, my problem isn't with the Kill Switch as a whole. My problem is that it comes as a preinstalled piece of software on my phone. If Apple offered it as free download for extra protection and I DECIDED I wanted it on my phone, then this wouldn't bother me. But it is that I can not make that decision for myself. I personally would not put such a program onto my phone (Or computer for that matter).