Root Carrier IQ on DROID3?

Unicorn512 · Dec 1, 2011

I have been reading a lot of news reports about "Carrier IQ" and the modules they develop and how the carriers imbed them in smartphones. It seems they are actually spyware and the company claims don't match the researchers data about what is collected.

Does this code exist on the DROID3 platform? If so, what are the modules called? Can we disable the code since we have root access?

Does anyone care? My life is unremarkable, but that does not mean I am comfortable with a "silent partner" reporting everything I do with my D3.

MicroNix · Dec 1, 2011

According to a tweet from VZW, no Verizon devices have the Carrier IQ software installed on the stock rom.

Unicorn512 · Dec 1, 2011

Glad to hear that VZN doesn't have Carrier IQ software.

I wonder if they wrote their own? Perhaps the researchers who uncovered what was happening on the other devices will one day take a look at the D3.

So many smartphones. So little time.

They say ignorance is bliss....

jaycbrf4 · Dec 2, 2011

Actually, that is not true. Verizon does collect data from the phones, it is just not called CIQ.

View details here: Verizon | About Verizon - Privacy Policy you have the option to OPT OUT of Verizon Data Collection.

The Droid 3 Data Collection is done by Motorola, not Verizon.

The apps are called:

DataCollection.apk
DataCollectionProvider.apk
DataCollectionService.apk

Located in System>App...

I wouldn't worry about it. If you have a PC you have been spied on since you got it. All PC's running Windoze "Phone Home" to Microsoft. And most apps on the Mac "Phone Home" as well every time launched to verify serial numbers and system data.

On the Mac there is a program called "Little Snitch" that is a must have for those with questionably obtained software, music, or movies. Little Sitch will tell you what is attempting to make an http request and gives you the option to allow or block.

Hopefully someone will find a way to block CIQ type data collection on our Android devices.

For the most part, I think the data collected, although an invasion of our privacy, is only used for marketing or device usage details... ( I HOPE) :rolleyes:

Unicorn512 · Dec 4, 2011

Has anyone tried to freeze the data collection apps?

I am willing to try myself, but I don't want to make the D3 un-bootable and I am not sure how to unfreeze something if the D3 will not boot up.

DeadChex · Dec 4, 2011

Unicorn512 said:
Has anyone tried to freeze the data collection apps?

I am willing to try myself, but I don't want to make the D3 un-bootable and I am not sure how to unfreeze something if the D3 will not boot up.

Just make a nandroid backup before hand, then if it can't boot just restore. Let us know how it goes

redsox985 · Dec 4, 2011

Unicorn512 said:
Has anyone tried to freeze the data collection apps?

I am willing to try myself, but I don't want to make the D3 un-bootable and I am not sure how to unfreeze something if the D3 will not boot up.

Unless you fool with the radio hack and don't have the 128 character strings backed up, this phone is just about impossible to perma-brick. Just charge your battery fully before doing any mods and keep an eye on it as you try things. You can't SBF with a low battery and you can't charge a brick.

Unicorn512 · Dec 4, 2011

As suggested, I made a backup, then froze the three data collection modules.

My D3 booted normally and seems to be operating normally. I have not checked every application, but the ones I use most are working just fine.

At this point, you can probably add these data collection modules to the list of apps that are safe to freeze.

Since I never knew exactly what was being collected, I don't know what is no longer being collected or sent.

Only time will tell.

Also the performance doesn't seem any different. Need to run for a while to see if battery usage is changed at all (I suspect not, it was pretty good before.)

redsox985 · Dec 4, 2011

Thanks for that. I just froze those 3 with TB. We'll see how this goes.

NancyFerrigan · May 11, 2012

redsox985 said:
Thanks for that. I just froze those 3 with TB. We'll see how this goes.

Hey I was curious as to how it went freezing those 3 data collection apps?

Root Carrier IQ on DROID3?

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