seanismorris

China’s Great Firewall works differently.  It’s main function is to block content, it also monitors users activity (where they go).  Apple complies with China’s requirement of storing data locally (EU requires the same).  We assume China is combing through the data. The regulations generally are there to protect the users.  For example, the US government could request Microsoft to hand over data on xyz.  If the data is stored in Europe, Europe would need to get involved... It’s a question of sovereignty.

What Kazakhstan is attempting to do is different.  The “man in the middle” attack is breaking the encryption on the flow of data.  As far as I know it’s unprecedented step by a government.  Apple (etc) wouldn’t allow China to do that either...

The US government is thought to be doing something similar to what China is doing.  They’re intercepting data for analysis, but not so much the routing of the traffic.  China might block access to Appeinsider.com directly (or Twitter, Facebook, new orgs, etc).  The US and EU would have to go though a legal process of getting the domain removed.  So when a user types in appleinsider.com the browser can’t find the appropriate server that hosts the website.  Users could still access the server directly by typing in the IP address (server location) until the ISP that controls the IP address removes it from their control.  China would just block the IP address directly, from being accessed from within China ...no muss no fuss.  China also controls the DNS servers accessible from with China.  When you try to access appleinsider.com they can sent you somewhere else entirely.

When the US requests weaker encryption it's closer to what Kazakhstan is doing.  It’s one thing to intercept the data, and another to read the encrypted data.  China, USA, etc. currently have a very difficult time reading encrypted data unless a flaw is found in the encryption algorithm/protocol. TLS is the protocol for a data in motion (traffic) and gets updated to fix issues and strengthen encryption.  Your browser (Safari) says only allow traffic if the TLS version is recent to protect the users.  If you are running and old browser version it might not know about the new TLS version putting you at risk.  

All the browsers have a trusted list.  Kazakhstan was forcing users to update that list with an certificate that created a backdoor to break the encryption.  No certificate = no internet, from within Kazakhstan unless you use a VPN to get outside of Kazakhstan’s control (local internet).  China can block VPN traffic by analyzing the flow of traffic.  VPN software can change things up to get past the blocking of traffic... it’s a wack-a-mole problem.  So, China’s regulations demands Apple remove VPN software on its App Store.  If Apple didn’t comply China would remove users access to the App Store.

This isn’t a “Apple likes China more than Kazakhstan issue” it has to comply with local regulations to operate in China (just like anywhere else). What Kazakhstan was attempting was a security issue, essentially breaking the internet, and putting the users at risk.

I’m not sure Samsung should be listed with the other manufacturers.
”Samsung Mobile Phone Manufacturing Locations
As of 2019, Samsung has its mobile phone manufacturing factories at 6 locations – Vietnam, China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Korea. 50% of Samsung mobile phones are made in Vietnam and 8% in Korea. Rest is manufactured in India, Brazil, Indonesia and China.Nov 20, 2019”

They’re getting closer to getting the lawsuit to stick...

But the most perplexing thing is Apple doesn’t see to realize they’ve done anything wrong.

Lawyering-up isn’t going to solve their PR problem.

I think the lawsuits could win under the Lemon Law (implied warranties).

There are two types of warranties for product purchases, express warranties and implied warranties. Express warranties make specific promises about product repair, and are usually made in writing. An express warranty may be provided by the manufacturers in owner's manuals and other written sales or marketing materials. Implied warranties arise from a manufacturer's duty to meet certain minimum standards of quality whereby the product is fit for use for the purpose intended. An implied warranty arises from the sale itself, and need not be in writing. In each type the manufacturer assumes the liability and responsibility to correct the defect and, in the event that they cannot meet that duty, may be required to repurchase or replace the product.

claire1 said:

Designed By Samsung

My goodness that thing is ugly! Or am I looking at it from the wrong angle?

Well... you are looking at its butt.

President Trump had little understanding about what was important in the negotiations of trade agreements with China.  Rather than focus on what was important, mainly protecting IP, and opening markets, he went off the rails and demanded China purchase more food from USA.

His bumbling negotiations made everything worse (as usual) and here we are, attempting to “look strong” on China to improve his election chances.  He’s targeting TikTok specifically because young people (Americans) on TikTok hate his guts, and successfully interfered with a rally. 

ArianneFeldry said:

How would consumers not win? Say Epic wins and they get the fee reduced, the ability for direct payments, or more hopefully, we get full sideloading on iOS. For the first situation we could get cheaper apps, as developers could reduce the price of the apps themselves or the price of In App Purchases, something good for the consumer. For the second we got proof that it would be better for the consumer, as the price of V-Bucks was cheaper with the option for directly purchasing the V-Bucks from Epic rather than through Apple's processor. For the third consumers wouldn't be beholden to the App Store. Stadia and Xcloud would be usable on iOS, Much more open source development could occur on iOS because developers wouldn't have to subscribe to a $100 fee to host their apps on the store. Hell, with sideloading we could get app stores that actually show off more than regurgitate the top apps of each category.

Sideloading isn’t a win for consumers, it introduces significant security risks.

Flash?  Seriously Flash?

Get that security nightmare off your computer! 

I was initially anti Corellium.  I still think Apple will win, but they’re not going to walk away clean.

I’d like to see the documents related to their buyout offer.  Apple is coming across as 2 faced.

I see a cracked screen...

How is it possible all the parts listed are actually damaged?

Did it get hit by lightning?  It sounds like Apple didn’t have the parts or experience to make the repairs.

Is the damage Apple’s fault?  Obviously not.  But the Apple Store should be able to send it somewhere to get fixed, and not for $5000+.

This story is embarrassing for Apple...

No where does Microsoft say they support Epic.  They’re saying because of their use of the Unreal Engine (also becoming part of the dispute) it will have a material impact, not only on their gaming business, but many others as well.

As a public company Microsoft is legally required to inform investors of anything that can materially affect their business.  Don’t read to much into their statement.  I’m sure Microsoft supports Apple’s ability to charge fees via the App Store.