The tussle between Apple and government authorities over data encryption has now reached a new level with Britain’s security officials demanding Apple to create a hidden way to user data. This situation mirrors the long-standing conflict between Apple and the FBI, which began when the agency asked Apple to unlock an iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino attackers in 2016.
According to a report from Reuters, the UK government’s security officials have served Apple with a “technical capability notice,” demanding that the tech giant create a backdoor to access all data uploaded by users on their iCloud worldwide. In simple words, the government is seeking unprecedented access to the private data of Apple users across the globe. With this the UK government aims to regulate tech companies and gain access to encrypted data citing concerns of national threats. However, in the case of Apple, this request poses a major challenge for Apple which has long maintained a clear stance on users’ data privacy and security.
Apple’s response: Privacy and security at stake
This isn’t the first time that Apple is facing this. The tech giant has gone through a similar dilemma, particularly in its battle with the FBI over the San Bernardino case. Apple, in 2016, was compelled by the FBI sought to assist in unlocking an iPhone used by one of the attackers. The argument given was that access to the phone’s data could help the law authorities with crucial evidence in the investigation.
Apple resisted, reiterating its take on user privacy and security. It also highlighted the potential dangers of creating a backdoor that could be misused by threat actors.
In the case of the UK government’s request, Apple faces a similar dilemma. The company will be breaking the security promises it has made to its users around the world if it complies. Apple believes that creating a backdoor would risk the sanctity of encryption system, potentially putting millions of users at risk. That being the case, the company is reportedly considering to stop offering encrypted cloud storage services in the UK entirely.
