Most companies these days give their employees work-specific phones. These usually involve something with email and calendar capabilities, like a Blackberry or an Apple iPhone.
Nowadays, the iPhone is the device of the hour (all day every day). It’s also pretty easy to access remotely. That’s what you’re signing up for when you put your John Hancock on that legal document when you’re hired.
Although it is true Apple refused to allow the FBI to access a private citizen’s iPhone, it is not responsible for your company phone – especially if it runs iOS 9.3 or later.
Your password, lock code, and fingerprint still protect your phone and encrypt it from the prying eyes of the every-hacker, but it will not protect your browser history from the legal eyes of your company boss. Fortunately, Apple is not about to leave us in the dark. Starting with the new iOS 9.3 beta 5 update, Apple will add a line in your User Agreement (viewable in Settings > About) and your Lock Screen spelling out the tracking features of the iPhone.
The message will read something like: “This iPhone is supervised. [Company Name] can monitor your Internet traffic and locate this device.”
Basically, save the racey internet searches for your personal phone or laptop computer. Maybe use private browsing.
These new updates are meant to provide transparency for both companies and their employees. While it is understandable that employees value their privacy when it comes to the internet, it is important to remember that if you sign on the line and accept a company phone, you’re accepting the monitoring that goes with it. These new iOS 9.3 features will keep everyone informed of what we already know, but we need to be reminded from time to time.
Although not officially public yet, Apple is planning to release iOS 9.3 along with its newer products later this month, including the iPhone SE and new iPad Pro.
Good ol’ Apple, shedding light on Big Brother.
Author
