yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus Transformer TF700] unknown_owner:
I think I registered with the site months ago. I don't remember reading that it would track changes you make to the OS and upload it and use it to determine warranty eligibility at any time. Clicking on the Register now takes you to some Asus Access cloud site that wasn't there months ago. So I don't remember what the TOS stated before that new Register site came up. Tell you the truth, I don't even know if I'm registered. I can't find any email stating that I'm registered and the site doesn't seem to work for me with I put in my SN.

---------- Post added at 02:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:51 PM ----------

What gets me is what information did they receive? Was there any personal info along with the system info? I wish I could log into the device tracker and see what's there but I don't think I ever got it to work for me.
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
It should make a new chapter in Popper's "Open Society and Its Enemies".
[Asus Transformer TF700] Alitheia:
Probably, they'd say that by calling them for support, you give them permission to look into the device. This tells me to call them when "my Wi-Fi network is experiencing technical difficulties..." LOL
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
BTW, there is no visible UNREGISTER / OPT OUT button on this Device Tracker site, nor can I see it in the Terms of Use.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Buster99:
Isn't that in most country's illigal? it is here in germany at least - heck we have 2 click authentications for 3rd party buttons... but idc really - i never used stock rom - so idc. uninstall it with titanium backup or delete it with an root explorer app

but yeah - it's a ****ty move by asus to track by default... reminds me of carrierIQ
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
In their Privacy Policy they state:

ASUS collects and uses YOUR personal information solely for the purpose of recording and supporting YOUR participation in the activities YOU select.

...and the list that follows DOESN'T COVER SPYING ON YOU and what you've been doing with your /system partition.

This should follow in unknown_owner's formal complaint AT LEAST.
[Asus Transformer TF700] wolfman87:
Good comparison. I saw the disclaimer and immediately decided not to use the Tracker. However, we should note for users who are just reading the thread that this isn't the product registration.

It's weird that there are so many ways to "Register" with Asus. Since I unlocked do I need to register at all since effectively I have given them (some of) the information they would ask for during product registration?

Just a thought.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Darnell_Chat_TN:
This is way worse than carrierIQ IMHO.

Because with CIQ, we knew it sent data, but we never really had a case where that data was very actively used against us.

Asus Device Tracker is posing as a service to assist us, while actively being used by Asus to void warranties. I can't say CIQ information was actively used to void anyone's warranty.
[Asus Transformer TF700] unknown_owner:
I'm trying to chat with support now to see if I can get more information about what information they collected and how my tablet told them that it was rooted. Unfortunately, no engineers are available to chat right now.
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
I've just sent a message to ASUS Support asking them about their Privacy Policy and the ability to opt out. Let's see what sort of automatic response do the trained monkeys have for this.
[Asus Transformer TF700] urrlyx:
i froze that service as soon as i read your original post. that sh*t is getting uninstalled now.

damn and i used to love asus too. why do all the good companies have to turn sour on us?
[Asus Transformer TF700] oka1:
Not sure, what all the commotion is about....... but Here in XDA almost EVERYONE knows that if you root the device and start modding it........ it voids the warranty......

Furthermore, if you root the device then flash a rom on it that erases all that like I did.......... this is not new info, only now Asus is beginning to tighten down on the Tf-series since it is now 1yr old ...it was to be expected.
[Asus Transformer TF700] wolfman87:
That's a good point. CIQ crossed the line, but not this far.
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
LOL, are you for real? You can unroot silently, too. And not void your warranty. And don't you think users should know they are being under constant surveillance because of some backdoor process running all the time on their devices?

Actually, it's not only about voiding the warranty, it's about ASUS spying on users and having a good look into their data. This is a serious security issue, not just a warranty issue.

And we're not talking flashing ROMs, but rooting, which isn't forbidden, there is no "I agree" to click in any official app, like in the unlocking tool, or anything like that, so this is not quite the same.
[Asus Transformer TF700] nooktablet:
They're never available for you to chat with them, i tried many times

So just send them an email.

Also i never logged in or signed up at that asus device tracker website, actually i never knew it exists before today. Should i be worried? Mine is rooted, i used es file explorer, i went to /system/app and deleted 4 files: CMClient.apk, CMClient.odex, DMClient.apk, DMClient.odex. I selected these 4 files and DELETED them, i didn't use any app manager to uninstall them. Should I be concerned about anything? Sorry i'm a noob.

Oh and 1 more thing, the website https://mdm.asus.com/DMServer/AsusDMServlet that OP posted:

(i'm using my brother's ipad, both safari and chrome says the site is not trusted)

So i stopped and "went back to safety" as Chrome suggested.
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
It's just their site for updates, which is not to be used in a browser, perhaps the SSL certificate is for another hostname, so I wouldn't worry about this one.

I think you should be fine after removing these 4 files. I have removed only CMClient*, I'm not sure if removing DM- will stop your device from receiving OTA updates or not. Perhaps moving them to .bak or sth would be more adviseable, but we'll see eventually.

Edit: The certificate is just CA'ed by bogus/local CA, this is a common practice by admins, it's easier, faster and free, so it's preferred for things that users just won't look at anyway.
[Asus Transformer TF700] unknown_owner:
Yes we may know this, we also all know that removing root before returning the device for support removes all access of root. Plus I have not unlocked the tablet and flashed any ROMS.

Gave up on chat and just sent an email requesting information on how they were able to see that my tablet was rooted and what day was it seen in their system.

I'm looking for the documentation from Asus that says that rooting, jail breaking, modifying whatever voids the warranty. Anybody know where to find that online?
[Asus Transformer TF700] nooktablet:
I forgot to say before i deleted those files i copied them to /sdcard for backup purpose, copied, did not do anything like "back up".

I don't know how android works with installing and uninstalling apps, but i'm guessing "delete apk"="uninstall app" and "copy apk"="back up app" :D

But what does CM and DM stand for?
[Asus Transformer TF700] chugger93:
I still have yet to understand how rooting a device voids a warranty. It's your Friggin device, you can root it if you want too. Unlocking it should void a warranty, but not giving yourself friggin admin permissions to YOUR device. The whole concept is nonsense. That's like running microsoft windows as a user and not an administrator. Does microsoft ban your ass? I think not
[Asus Transformer TF700] wolfman87:
http://www.xda-developers.com/xda-tv-2/your-warranty-is-not-void-xda-tv/
[Asus Transformer TF700] Alitheia:
Watch this all end up being a huge misunderstanding. Lol Everyone should relax until more data is collected. No use speculating for now; just take care when seeking support.
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
It's not that easy to find, actually, the kernel is open, but .apks are not and ASUS is not keen on telling, it seems. I guess it could be something like Download Manager (& Connectivity Manager??), but it's a wild guess really. On the other hand, it doesn't seem to be that important, if we more or less know what they're doing.

I've just tried removing DMClient.(apk|odex) and it removed OTA functionality completely (there was no "check for update" in the settings anymore). Although DMClient seems linked to this whole thing, I believe it's a fair agreement to remove CMClient.(apk|odex) and leave DMClient for OTA functionality if one needs it. Device Tracker won't be able to trigger CMClient anyway, so we should be fine with this solution, I believe. But it sb prefers to be sure, removing DMClient should be fine, too, as long as they keep putting firmware blobs on their website or you intend to use a custom ROM.
[Asus Transformer TF700] unknown_owner:
Your probably right and I hope in this case my warranty is intact. I'll just wait and see what email response I get which would probably be Monday.
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
I hope you will retain your warranty, but this doesn't change the issue we raised here. It's good to know some support guy was careless enough to tell you the details, so we know

they are spying on us

, regardless if it voids the warranty in the end or not. And their whole attitude is far from clear here, they install something, they don't tell us, they collect data, they don't give you a chance to opt out, etc. Something's fishy here.

BTW, I really like this saying that I've just read again in a signature of one of our Senior Mods:

Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not after you ;)
[Asus Transformer TF700] nooktablet:
I don't use custom rom and i don't think i need to, i rooted mine just because i wanted to install adfree and run some other root apps. So i need OTA functionality when jelly bean come out, if i copy the 2 DMClient files that i backed up to system/app will it OTA come back?
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
Yes. And since you copied them to a non-system partition, remember to do "chown 0:0 DMClient.*" and "chmod 644 DMClient.*" just in case.
[Asus Transformer TF700] nooktablet:
I used terminal and did that with both CM and DM but not sure what has changed :D

Also there is a asus service always running "KeyBoxProvision", don't know what it is,

when first got mine i was was wondering what 2 services CM and DM are, now we know
[Asus Transformer TF700] Darnell_Chat_TN:
I don't know if you'll actually view this thread again to watch this, but in the US of A we have rights :) .

[YOUTUBE]9YcIHaajda8#![/YOUTUBE]
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
First in Google: http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=22793109&postcount=3
[Asus Transformer TF700] urrlyx:
Anyone know of an app like LBE Privacy Guard that will notify you when a non-white-listed app tries to access the network? All the other firewall apps I've seen can block easily enough but I'd like to find a good monitor.

LBE doesn't currently work on the Infinity according to the Play store. I'll have to try copying the APK off my phone in a bit I suppose...
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
Yes, it's a great app, a little slow on older phones. I've been looking at it for a few weeks now on Playstore, but it's still not compatible with the Infinity.

DroidWall helps in many cases, although I'd love to see LBE Privacy Guard on the Infinity. Actually, I'll e-mail its devs in a sec. I'm not sure I want to use the .apk from my phone, well, it's a security app, not a game, after all ;)

BTW, I hope that it being Chinese doesn't necessarily copy Chinese political system privacy standards ;) As there's even greater need to defend against government attempts to look into citizens' lives in China, hopefully that's the case here.

Edit: I've e-mailed them, will let you know if I get an answer.
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
Just curious - why should unlocking YOUR device void it's warranty any more than rooting YOUR device?

Either way, it's YOUR device, right? Why should we be allowed to root but not unlock? I fail to see why one is OK and the other should void your warranty.
[Asus Transformer TF700] the_game_master:
How is this a security threat? You guys are nuts, this is put in place to keep your device monitored.

Would you want to research how to disable the components in your ADT Home Security because the device poses a security risk? (oh noes they can monitor my home) :eek:

Get real.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Darnell_Chat_TN:
If you have nothing helpful to contribute, please find another thread to comment in please.
[Asus Transformer TF700] the_game_master:
Oh wow, I must hit on point with my post to garner this type of response.

Look Darnell, this is an open forum, different opinions are welcomed. Why don't you go find another thread to comment on, perhaps one that favors the censorship you like. :)
[Asus Transformer TF700] Darnell_Chat_TN:
Open forum yes, but going into wasteful rants is counter productive to the thread.

If I want to disable my home security system, it's my business and the business of those who agree with me.

However, a system that is presented as a security system and secretly monitors the actions of the customer, to tell them they've lost all their service benefits once they see the customer is doing something that does not even damage the system at all, is a bit over the top. I hope you've logged into the Asus Device Tracker and keep your device unrooted.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Pretoriano80:
I can answer on that mate and it's an easy one. When you root only, you can indeed do much more things with your device (mod system files, use app that needs more permissions, scripts, etc) but you still don't have acces to low level stuff so this means you can't really damage your device's hardware (no, you can't overclock with only root).

Bootloader Unlocking is another story, you get access to fastboot mode (this alone can do some damage if you flash stuff without knowing what you are doing) you can install a custom recovery and of course you can flash custom roms (so far it seems all good and it's indeed the ultimate freedom for your device but also you have to know what you are doing).

Having access to all this awesomeness means you can use modified kernels and some of this kernels will allow you to overclock., mess with voltage and other nasty stuff that could damage your hardware and VOID you warranty.

So you see, that's quiet a difference and Asus knows that. ;)
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
I guess my point was that just because it's "YOUR" device, doesn't mean that you can do anything you wish with it (if you want to keep your warranty).

If Asus terms and conditions say that rooting voids the warranty (I really don't know if that's true or not) and you agreed to those terms, then your warranty is technically void if you root, regardless if it's reversible or not.

Good explanation though!
[Asus Transformer TF700] fortunz:
If you want Asus to come clean, tip this thread to the blogs, engadget, gizmodo etc. They won't get serious until they have no choice.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Curious!:
Progress! instead of discussion. It is clear that some people are irritated with what Asus did.

We should focus on how to disable it completely.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Pretoriano80:
Man, you really think Asus made that tracking service without asking their lawyers? Or they can do like Sony, change the EULA overnight.

I will try to contact Gary (Asus US representative here on XDA) and ask him to come here and explain us a bit how this tracking system works... Just a clear and simple explanation.
[Asus Transformer TF700] fortunz:
Lots of things are both legal and bad for P.R. Also, a lot of lawyers promote what they think they can get away with, not what's strictly legal.

I'm not super worried about it myself, yet, but it is extremely fair to ask Asus to explain it in full. I hope Gary takes you up on that request.
[Asus Transformer TF700] d14b0ll0s:
That's actually a very good point.

Let's wait till the end of the week and push it further if nothing gets explained (we're waiting for some support replies to our enquiries too).
[Asus Transformer TF700] urrlyx:
That's true, but your warranty should be void only if you actually cause the damage. Let's say there is some hardware defect that pops up a couple months down the road. I should still be able to get my device replaced whether its unlocked or not.
[Asus Transformer TF700] mikevipe:
For this very reason: Suppose you root and manage to overclock to 2.0ghz and fry your cpu, they should and would not be responsible. Now to make it so rooting does not void your warranty, they would need some other way to monitor effects that could literally fry you tablet. Monitoring what you do with your rooting would be far more invasive then their call home searching for superuser.apk etc.

---------- Post added at 08:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:13 PM ----------

Your a troll, you sign up for ADT, you do not signup with ASUS to be spied on, did you signup for that GPS anklet your wearing around your leg too?
[Asus Transformer TF700] Digital Man:
Never underestimate the human potential to abuse technology. I'm sorry but I don't trust my fellow man that much. How comfortable would you be with your daugther having one of these tablets in her room?

read this

http://www.pcworld.com/article/189844/did_a_school_use_webcams_to_spy_on_students_at_home.html

You wouldn't expect your school to do something like that. But they did. But its OK to have total strangers have access to similar technology?

And just consider this quote from the article:

"District laptops do contain a security feature intended to track lost, stolen and missing laptops. The security feature, which was disabled today, was installed to help locate a laptop in the event it was reported lost, missing or stolen so that the laptop could be returned to the student."

Does that sound familiar?

Sorry, but I find the idea of some sleazy tech remotely operating my webcam, or tracking my movents or keystrokes just a little disturbing.

The sad thing about this, is that this is one of the reasons I don't use Apple products. To find the same invasive crap here in the Android ecosystem is messed up.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Darnell_Chat_TN:
If the device was unlocked, you could cause the damage and later claim you did not. Unlocking allows you to take the device way outside the bounds of its intended design. The only thing to gurantee you did not cause the issue is your word. And no OEM is going to simply take your word for it.

In some cases, screen issues can be caused by heat from overclocking. If someone says their screen is acting up, the OEM has no way to know what someone who unlocked did that might have caused the issue.

Simply having root I don't think someone will be able to do much to OC. Not on today's devices, maybe yesterday's. But unlocked they certainly could.
[Asus Transformer TF700] nooktablet:
Wait, so apple has this tracking system on their devices too (even Macbooks)? I didn't know that, hopefully they're not seeing my face since i'm using my brother's ipad with wifi on...
[Asus Transformer TF700] Digital Man:
They are certainly exploring if not implementing

Here you go:

http://realitypod.com/2010/09/apple-applies-for-patent-to-remotely-disable-iphone/

This is the important point from the patent sought by Apple:

The patent, titled “Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device,” describes several ways a device could sense who is using an iPhone or iPad. Among the methods considered are voice print analysis, photo analysis, heartbeat analysis (!), hacking attempts, or even “noting particular activities that can indicate suspicious behavior.”

The device could automatically snap pictures of the unauthorized user and record the GPS coordinates of the device, as well as log keystrokes, phone calls, or other activity.

Once an unauthorized user is detected, the device can then automatically disable certain features or send notifications to Twitter or other services.

Gotta love the heartbeat analysis and voice print...now that's not invasive...

Is this in use - who knows - they are thinking about it - at some point they will test it - don't you sometimes wonder what was in that last update - and how do they test it in the real world anyway??

Is this paranoid. Yes.

In the words of Robert A Heinlein:

"Paranoids are the only people who truly understand what is going on around them."
[Asus Transformer TF700] Thats OK:
This all makes me want to send my tablet back.

I haven't rooted, unlocked or any of that yet I don't want a spy in my house.

Wonder if this is a test by certain large media distributors working with device makers to find out who may be boosting illegal downloads.

You know how the law enforcers are scouring facebook looking for people under warrant.

They're finding them too.

(we have always kept sticky dots over any installed webcams on our laptops and tablets or phones...)
[Asus Transformer TF700] Digital Man:
Perhaps, but what are you going to do:

Stop using your cell phone? That has a camera. Stop using your Xbox and Playstation, that has a camera too. Stop using your laptop? That has one too. And any device you buy could be just one update away from tracking you.

Even without a camera, the potential for logging location and keystrokes and browser history is there for any network connected device. The genie is already out of the bottle.

Course, if you're plotting a jewel heist, you might chose to leave the cell phone in another room....

I guess what makes this creepy is the fact that we know for sure that the technology exists on this particular device....
[Asus Transformer TF700] Thats OK:
Troo...that's the reason for the sticky dots.

I've often thought of abandoning the internet or at least connected technology at times.

From telemarketing calls to electronic junkmail this stuff just comes from so many directions.

The age I'm at now is telling me to maybe run back to basics.

Most things electric have an off switch...or do they :confused:
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
To be perfectly honest, if I was worried about it, I just wouldn't allow the device in my daughters room... Luckily, I don't have a daughter (I have a son), so thankfully I don't have to worry about it! :)

I'm not saying that it's never happen or that I trust everyone, I just think that this is being blown way out of proportion. Out of all the people in this world, we've heard of someone actually spying on someone (with the camera in their laptop) that *one* time right? So, the odds are so low, that it's not worth spending my days worry about it or how to avoid it.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Buster99:
Lbe apk works on ics, the beta translation from xda works on jellybean on tabs as well (using it atm) so does droidwall. Just dont allow them if you dont want them to be able to communicate.

Like i said i didnt had probs with my rooted and unlocked device and asus service

Cheers
[Asus Transformer TF700] urrlyx:
damage done by overclocking is almost always very obvious. and for the less obvious it can be determined by the manufacturer when it is sent back in. there is no *valid* reason to blanket deny warranty coverage for unlocked devices.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Pretoriano80:
And could you tell us please why overclocking damage would be obvious? Overclockin just the CPU doesn't mean only that is affected, but the overall system,so if you have a failure it's almost impossible to know what caused it. Or maybe you think manufacturers open every device they get back for RMA to check the components one by one? That would be crazy and the companies would lost a lot of cash.