A report circulating online claims that Apple will begin sharing its “fingerprint database” and other personal information with the NSA. Is this story real or fake?
The story is fake.
The claim originated from the satirical website National Report. Other recent articles on the website include Obama Declares November National Muslim Appreciation Month and Taurus Firearms Company Introduces The New Trayvon PK-10 or “Perp-Killer”
The article has been shared on social media and cited by bloggers who are apparently unaware of the humorous nature of the website. The story begins by citing a true story about NYPD officers recently seen handing out flyers urging Apple users to upgrade to iOS7 to deterring theft of iPhones. As the article continues, however, the satirical nature becomes apparent, as in this “quote” from their “NYPD insider” reads:
“No one feels ashamed when the Doctor sees them nude during a physical. Why? Well Doctors are trained medical professionals, of course. The same idea should apply to law enforcement. When we’re reading your emails or remotely turning on your webcam to make sure everything’s alright, just remember: we are trained professionals of the law.
I assure the general public that their information is in safe hands–The safest hands. It is in the hands of the United States Government and the men and women who are sworn to protect it.”
National Report
Until recently, National Report posted a disclaimer, clearly stating that the website produced satirical content. The disclaimer – which has since been removed – read:
*DISCLAIMER: National Report is a news and political satire web publication, which may or may not use real names, often in semi-real or mostly fictitious ways. All news articles contained within National Report are fiction, and presumably fake news. Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental . The views expressed by writers on this site are theirs alone and are not reflective of the fine journalistic and editorial integrity of National Report. Advice given is NOT to be construed as professional. If you are in need of professional help (and you may be if you are on this page), please consult a professional. National Report is intended for a mature audience and not for children under the age of 18.
This particular article in question cites no sources to corroborate the alleged sharing of private data.
Bottom Line
The report about Apple sharing a fingerprint database is false and originates from a satirical website.
Source
- Apple iOS 7 Update Gives Law Enforcement Unlimited Access To User’s Personal Data (Jane M. Agni, National Report: September 24, 2013)
- Are NYPD on the Apple payroll? Cops hand out flyers urging people to upgrade their devices to iOS7 because it is ‘safer’ (Daily Mail: September 22, 2013)
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