Which Carriers, Handset Makers Use Carrier IQ?

Following recent controversy over mobile application Carrier IQ accused of tracking keystrokes and violating wiretap laws, several phone manufacturers had came forward to issue an official statement. Carrier IQ is now being sued in a class action suit.

CARRIERS

Sprint: We do use Carrier IQ, but we do not and cannot look at the contents of messages, etc., as some have speculated. Carrier IQ provides information that allows Sprint, and other carriers that use it, to analyze our network performance and identify where we should be improving service. We also use the data to understand device performance so we can figure out when issues are occurring. We collect enough information to understand the customer experience with devices on our network and how to address any connection problems, but we do not and cannot look at the contents of messages, photos, videos, etc., using this tool. The information collected is not sold and we don't provide a direct feed of this data to anyone outside of Sprint.

Sprint maintains a serious commitment to respecting and protecting the privacy and security of each customer's personally identifiable information and other customer data. A key element of this involves communicating with our customers about our information privacy practices. The Sprint privacy policy makes it clear we collect information that includes how a device is functioning and how it is being used. Carrier IQ is an integral part of the Sprint service. Sprint uses Carrier IQ to help maintain our network performance.

Verizon: "To be 100% clear: Carrier IQ is *not* on #Verizon Wireless #VZW phones," Verizon's Jeff Nelson tweeted.

AT&T: In line with our privacy policy, we solely use CIQ software data to improve wireless network and service performance.

T-Mobile: T-Mobile utilizes the Carrier IQ diagnostic tool to troubleshoot device and network performance with the goal of enhancing network reliability and our customers' experience. T-Mobile does not use this diagnostic tool to obtain the content of text, email or voice messages, or the specific destinations of a customers' Internet activity, nor is the tool used for marketing purposes.

C Spire (previously Cellular South): Carrier IQ is not on any C Spire Wireless device.

MetroPCS: None of the handsets sold by MetroPCS include the Carrier IQ software.

US Cellular: U.S. Cellular does not use Carrier IQ and does not sell any devices with Carrier IQ loaded on them. We are 100 percent committed to keeping your information secure and private.

Rogers Communications/Fido Solutions (Canada): "We have investigated and Carrier IQ is NOT on any of our devices," a spokeswoman tweeted.

HANDSET MAKERS

Apple: We stopped supporting Carrier IQ with iOS 5 in most of our products and will remove it completely in a future software update. With any diagnostic data sent to Apple, customers must actively opt-in to share this information, and if they do, the data is sent in an anonymous and encrypted form and does not include any personal information. We never recorded keystrokes, messages or any other personal information for diagnostic data and have no plans to ever do so.

HTC: Carrier IQ is required on devices by a number of U.S carriers so if consumers or media have any questions about the practices relating to, or data collected by, Carrier IQ we'd advise them to contact their carrier. It is important to note that HTC is not a customer or partner of Carrier IQ and does not receive data from the application, the company, or carriers that partner with Carrier IQ. HTC is investigating the option to allow consumers to opt-out of data collection by the Carrier IQ application.

Samsung: Some Samsung mobile phones do include Carrier IQ, but it's very important to note that it's up to the carrier to request that Samsung include that software on devices. One other important point is that Samsung does not receive any consumer user information from the phones that are equipped with Carrier IQ.

Nokia: We are aware of inaccurate reports which state that software from CarrierIQ has been found on Nokia devices. CarrierIQ does not ship products for any Nokia devices, so these reports are wrong.

RIM: RIM is aware of a recent claim by a security researcher that an application called "CarrierIQ" is installed on mobile devices from multiple vendors without the knowledge or consent of the device users. RIM does not pre-install the CarrierIQ app on BlackBerry smartphones or authorize its carrier partners to install the CarrierIQ app before sales or distribution. RIM also did not develop or commission the development of the CarrierIQ application, and has no involvement in the testing, promotion, or distribution of the app. RIM will continue to investigate reports and speculation related to CarrierIQ.

Motorola: I recommend you follow up with the carrier PR teams as this is only pre-loaded as an operator requirement.

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