Edward Snowden says the Apple iPhone has some software installed in it that allows governments to spy on people without their knowledge.

Snowden, who was a NSA whisteblower, does not use an iPhone because of fears of being spyed on, his lawyer revealed, The Independent reports.

"Edward never uses an iPhone, he's got a simple phone," Anatoly Kucherena reportedly told Russian news agency RIA Novosti. "The iPhone has special software that can activate itself without the owner having to press a button and gather information about him, that's why on security grounds he refused to have [an iPhone]."

Apple says it's harder now for iPhones to be spied on with iOS 8. Even law enforcement agencies with a warrant should have a hard time spying on an iPhone user, the company said.

Apple iPhones do typically have location services turned on to assist users in finding restaurants or driving directions. They also pinpoint where you are when posting photos. This feature can be turned off by going into settings, then hitting privacy and disabling "location services."

Meanwhile, there a secret document released by Der Spiegel that explains how your iPhone could be spying on you. The 11-page document has a November 2010 date on it.

Whether or not the government or law enforcement is spying on iPhone users, Snowden's claims sure sound scary. What do you think? Is the government and law enforcement spying on smartphone users? Do you trust your iPhone or Android phone to keep your privacy in tact? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think.

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