iPhone 4

[[AK]Hylander]

I have an app on my Droid (and I'm sure there is an equivalent for the iPhone, BB, and others) that if I lose my phone, I can simply log onto the website and lock it down remotely. I can then trace the location via the GPS even while the phone is completely locked up. It also backs up phone on a regular basis.

But to the point - My opinion on the matter is this (based on the info I've read on several different sites)

The person who found the phone really didn't make what I would consider a 'due diligence' effort to located the lawful owner.

I do not have a problem with Gizmodo paying the $5,000 for the phone in theory, they openly admit their "checkbook journalism". (Whether you consider that journalism or not is an entirely different debate) However, it's still unclear just how much they knew about the situation before they purchased the phone. We're they told he contacted Apple? Or did they know he didn't make a solid effort? Regardless, I believe they are protected under the law in terms of not being subject to a 'raid'.

I do believe the person who found the phone is probably the most 'guilty' party in this situation.

I believe the "raid" on the Gizmodo Editors home was uncalled for, and most likely illegal based on the protections in the law for journalists and reporters in the Privacy Protection Act which shields them, even if the subject is under investigation for illegal activities.

I don't think that Apple has done anything wrong here. They aren't the ones who raided the house and even if they were called - do you really believe that anyone working in their call center or tech support centers who supposedly took the call would have the knowledge or resources to address that call in any way that would be reasonable considering the circumstances? No way.