Jailbreaking has become a veritable cat-and-mouse game between Apple and hackers, who use the term to describe the process of removing limitations from the manufacturer's iOS operating system. So maybe it is not surprising that even a hacker group like TaiG would embark on a public-relations campaign to persuade users that the effort is, in fact, perfectly safe.

When the Chinese outfit TaiG last year managed to circumvent the limits on the cutting-edge 8.1.1 and 8.2 versions of the system in record time, the community of iPhone fanatics seemed to be in awe.

Some, however, also sounded warning bells that using "dodgy third-party software to jailbreak" iPhones may put the devices at risk, as Gizmodo reported.

Such was the case last week when XN, the hacker who claims to be behind TaiG, explained the group's philosophy in a written Q-and-A with iDownloadBlog. Readers learned that the outfit's name is pronounced "Taiji" and originates from ancient Chinese tradition.

XN sought to reassure iPhone owners TaiG is not about facilitating piracy.

"The purpose of jailbreak(ing) is to get more freedom for users," the hacker wrote.

Meanwhile, the computer expert went through pains to underline that TaiG's tools were safe.

"I have no reason to develop unsafe tools -- people would find out," XN wrote. "And we want to build a reputable brand, so we would not ruin it."

For the time being, XN said TaiG's goals were not monetary.

"(We want) to give users more freedom to use iOS for sure," the hacker wrote. "(There are) no financial repercussions for me. I would not take it as a motivation."

With respect to likely future updates to Apple's iOS operating system, XN sought to reassure users that TaiG would keep up its work to provide jailbreaking solutions. The hacker noted the group was "quite confident" it could take any upcoming challenge.

TaiG has established itself as the preeminent jailbreaking outlet. In XN's views, it has surpassed rival groups Pangu or Evad3rs, according to Morningcrunch.

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