That’s what “they” are calling it. It’s a hidden iPhone app that retrieves a list of blacklisted apps from Apple, and stores them on the phone (that’s my simpleton understanding of it). For what purpose, it hasn’t been determined. But among other things, the guy who found it—researcher Jonathan Zdziarski—says it could be used to kill apps that Apple doesn’t want on your iPhone. Here’s his blog, where you can read Zdziarski’s take on the app and the rumors flying around it:
I myself am intrigued by his pancake theory.
UPDATE: It’s being widely reported now that this is for killing malicious apps useing locations services without authorization. Why it couldn’t be used for just killing apps that Apple wants, I don’t see. It still sets a dangerous precident in my eyes.
no comment until now