Apple is not required to provide a backdoor for encryption in the UK, reducing concerns about weakened privacy and security protections. The announcement was made by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. on social networks on Monday evening.
Gabbard said Americans’ private data will be protected after a deal is finally reached with Britain, after much behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
“Over the past few months, I, along with @POTUS and @VP, have worked closely with our partners in the UK to ensure that Americans’ private information remains private and that our constitutional rights and civil liberties are protected,” Gabbard wrote.
An Apple representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has consistently resisted government requests to create a backdoor for law enforcement.
What did Britain ask for?
The UK originally asked Apple to provide the government with a way to access data from iCloud accounts of UK citizens and other countries to support criminal investigations.
In response, Apple removed iCloud’s advanced data protection feature in the UK in February. Apple said at the time that it was “deeply disappointed” by the actions of the Home Office, the UK Home Office responsible for public safety, cyber security and immigration. It is unclear whether this announcement will pave the way for Apple to reintroduce advanced data protection in the region.
Recent reports suggest that Britain has and has backed away from its original demands. I’m looking for a way out.
Is this a benefit to user privacy?
Privacy advocates sharply criticized Britain’s now-rejected request, saying it was a case of government overreach and a possible basis for mass surveillance. Apple and cybersecurity experts also noted that removing encryption for law enforcement purposes would also create an attack surface for malicious actors.
“The reality is that a back door designed for ‘good actors’ can no longer be exclusive,” he says. Adam BoytonSenior manager of security strategy at the software company Jamf. “When there is an intentional vulnerability, it becomes a target for criminals and hostile states, putting millions of everyday users at risk.”
Backdoors can also undermine public trust in platforms like Apple’s that people use every day, Boynton said.
Another security expert described the British withdrawal as a victory in a small skirmish, even though a larger war was brewing.
“Legislation requiring a backdoor for encryption remains and until it is removed there is a risk that other companies or Apple will be forced to provide a backdoor at a later date,” said Tony Anscombe, chief security expert at UK cyber security firm ESET. He said the government’s lack of transparency “raises the question of how many other companies have been notified and complied or are in litigation.”