Samsung Epic 4G Touch may drop CIQ in next update

Users who obtained a pre-release update for the Samsung Epic 4G Touch have discovered that it might not have Carrier IQ. Scanning from XDA-Developers members using third-party apps doesn't show the usual red flags. The discovery is tentative and could point to either a version that escapes detection or to a temporary removal during testing.

Sprint was one of the few companies to publicly acknowledge using Carrier IQ. With more details now available, Sprint was likely comfortable in knowing that it was only collecting diagnostic information and not snooping on data.

If Carrier IQ stays out, however, it may show Sprint bowing to at least some pressure based on a negative public image. Many are concerned that, even if Carrier IQ isn't doing anything intentional, it might be accidentally scraping data that could be compromised later.

By Electronista Staff