It was reported last week that developers could take photos from Apple mobile and Google Android devices without the phone owners knowing that the images were being taken. In Apples case, developers can also obtain the location information for each photo.
Senator (参议员) Charles Schumer said in a telephone interview that his office had spoken with officials at both Apple and Google on Monday.
“We asked them if they could find a way on their own to prevent Apple from having access to private info,” Mr Schumer said. “They were friendly and open to the idea that this ought to be changed.”
On Sunday, Mr Schumer said that he planned to send a letter to the Federal Trade Commission asking the agency to investigate Apple and Google after the privacy concerns came to light. Claudia Bourne Farrell, an F.T.C. spokeswoman, said the agency had received the letter but she could not comment further.
“It is scaring to think that ones personal photos, address book, and who knows what else can be obtained and even posted online without consent,” Mr Schumer wrote in his letter to the F.T.C. “If the technology exists to open the door to this kind of privacy invasion (入侵), then surely technology exists to close it, and thats exactly what must happen.”
Mr Schumer said if Apple and Google could not come to an agreement to fix the problem, then he would be forced to take the issue further.
He said other companies had been willing to work with his office to fix issues. “Im optimistic that we can get this changed without any regulation,” he said. “If its not changed, then well look the F.T.C., and if that doesnt work then well look at legislative (立法的) approach.”
The F.T.C. has warned companies to try to be more vigilant (警醒的) in their efforts to protect consumers when it comes to privacy.
1. The senators spoke with officials at both Apple and Google ___ .
A. to urge them not to get consumers privacy
B. to stop them from developing the technology of taking photos
C. to keep them from obtaining the location information for photos
D. to discuss whether it is legal to have access to private information
2. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. Privacy invasion can not be stopped easily.
B. Privacy invasion has existed for a long time.
C. Mr Schumer takes the privacy concerns seriously.
D. Apple and Google have decided to make a change.
3. What can we learn from Mr Schumers letter to the F.T.C.?
A. There has been a technology to stop the privacy invasion.
B. The technology causes privacy invasion to happen more frequently.
C. People are worried about the safety of their personal information.
D. Some private information has been posted online without permission.
4. If the privacy concerns cant be solved with the help of the F.T.C., ___ .
A. the companies will be fined B. the privacy will be given away
C. the senators will turn to law D. the phone owners will be in danger