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Apple has expressed concern that proposed changes to surveillance laws in the UK might impact the privacy of iPhone users. The company warns that it may have to remove certain security features if the new Online Safety Bill, which challenges end-to-end encryption, is passed in its current form.
The iPhone maker has made its stance on the Online Safety Bill clear during the UK government’s eight-week feedback period. The company has warned that it would have to shut down FaceTime and iMessage services in the country if the government goes ahead with the legislation, reports BBC.
Lately, Apple has been speaking out against the UK government’s actions that they believe threaten online privacy. The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 allows the Home Office to request access to encrypted content, which may put message encryption at risk.
As per the new clause, the UK government will also require Apple and other companies to seek clearance on any security updates made products, even the ones that are part of regular iOS updates.
In a submission to the government, Apple stated that implementing such a move would essentially give the home secretary authority over global security and encryption updates. This would be reinforced by additional proposals that mandate non-UK companies, like Apple, to implement changes worldwide if they operate through a global platform.
Apple has made it clear that it will not compromise the security of its products for the benefit of one country. The company has stated that any changes to iMessage, FaceTime, and other products would pose a significant risk to data security and privacy for all users worldwide.
“Together, these provisions could be used to force a company like Apple, that would never build a backdoor, to publicly withdraw critical security features from the UK market, depriving UK users of these protections,” said Apple in the comments.
WhatsApp and Signal have both expressed their opposition to a clause in the Online Safety Bill which would give the communications regulator the authority to mandate the installation of technology for scanning encrypted messaging apps and other services for child abuse material. Both platforms have stated that they will not comply with this clause. Signal has even threatened to leave the UK if forced to comply.
The iPhone maker has made its stance on the Online Safety Bill clear during the UK government’s eight-week feedback period. The company has warned that it would have to shut down FaceTime and iMessage services in the country if the government goes ahead with the legislation, reports BBC.
Lately, Apple has been speaking out against the UK government’s actions that they believe threaten online privacy. The Investigatory Powers Act 2016 allows the Home Office to request access to encrypted content, which may put message encryption at risk.
As per the new clause, the UK government will also require Apple and other companies to seek clearance on any security updates made products, even the ones that are part of regular iOS updates.
In a submission to the government, Apple stated that implementing such a move would essentially give the home secretary authority over global security and encryption updates. This would be reinforced by additional proposals that mandate non-UK companies, like Apple, to implement changes worldwide if they operate through a global platform.
Apple has made it clear that it will not compromise the security of its products for the benefit of one country. The company has stated that any changes to iMessage, FaceTime, and other products would pose a significant risk to data security and privacy for all users worldwide.
“Together, these provisions could be used to force a company like Apple, that would never build a backdoor, to publicly withdraw critical security features from the UK market, depriving UK users of these protections,” said Apple in the comments.
WhatsApp and Signal have both expressed their opposition to a clause in the Online Safety Bill which would give the communications regulator the authority to mandate the installation of technology for scanning encrypted messaging apps and other services for child abuse material. Both platforms have stated that they will not comply with this clause. Signal has even threatened to leave the UK if forced to comply.
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