As most know, Apple's iPhone received FCC Equipment Authorization on Thurs, May 17th (the file was initially submitted to the FCC on Mar 9th).

iPhone's approval isn't very significant by itself--we all knew FCC action was imminent. What's noteworthy (and frightening) about iPhone's FCC cameo is a perverse paragraph of Apple's confidentiality request letter, dated Mar 8th.

(Note: Apple is requesting a 45-day info embargo on the four usual suspects: Test Setup Pics; External Pics; Internal Pics; and User Manual.)

From Apple's remarkable letter, let's now read aloud, shall we?

Although Apple has begun to market the device publicly, these documents reveal technical and design information that has not been publicly disclosed in such marketing and that is protected by Apple as confidential and proprietary trade secrets. This information has been disclosed to those required to maintain its confidentiality, and is not customarily disclosed publicly prior to the commercial release of a device. As a result, disclosure of this information by the Commission prior to the commercial release would harm Apple by giving competitors an unfair market advantage. Apple believes the period of confidentiality requested is necessary to protect the information until the commercial release of the device.

There you have it, iPhish 2.0. Hey FCC, do you G-Men actually read these letters?! By staking its confidentiality claim while actively marketing the device, Apple is attempting to twist, corrupt and rewrite FCC rules. As we've previously cited and discussed, the FCC clearly denies confidentiality upon commencement of 'marketing' activity. There's no wiggle room in this provision, and there's nothing to negotiate.

Now, if Apple's allowed this shameless hijack, every device-maker will play the ruse.

Folks, our right to transparency (and especially, User Manuals) is threatened here. Whether Samsung, Apple or "Smartshoephone" (Maxwell Smart, Get Smart, ca 1965), we can't let it happen.

Apple's larcenous gambit should serve as a call to arms for radioheads of every flavor. Theft of the public trust is unforgivable corporate piracy. Time to march on Washington (see Sticky)...

--BAM