The British government made a secret request to develop a rear door that will access user data worldwide through iCloud services. This request was conveyed within the scope of the regulation, which entered into force in 2016 and known as the Law on Investigation Authorities. This law allows the government to request technical cooperation from technology companies for national security reasons. Allegedly, British security forces demand that the iCloud backups encrypted from end to end be globally accessible. However, if Apple responds positively to this request, it will also be forbidden to inform its users.
Apple stands out among the technology companies that have exhibited a strict stance for user privacy for many years. The advanced data protection feature, which it launched in 2022, provides the opportunity to end -to -end encryption of iCloud backups. When this feature is activated, only those with users can access data. However, this option has been disabled by default and must be activated manually. Britain’s demand is not limited to certain accounts; It includes access to encrypted data of all iCloud users worldwide.
Global pressures for Apple and other technology companies are increasing
Technology giants are often faced with the pressure of governments on encryption services. Although Apple has the option to stand against the British government’s request, it may consider completely disabled the advanced data protection feature. In addition, Apple’s decision may not only be limited to England. This development may lead to similar demands of other countries, especially the USA and China. In this case, Apple and other technology companies may have to establish a balance between protecting user privacy and adapting to legal demands.
The company has the right to appeal on the grounds of disproportionate in accordance with the costs and security needs of the company. However, in accordance with the British laws, such objections cannot delay the entry into force of the government’s order. This is considered as a reflection of the ongoing global conflict between user privacy and national security measures. Technology experts suggest that such demands will weaken user security only. Because once the back door is opened, security gaps become available by malicious people.
Apple’s past stance on such security arrangements is known for its previous struggle against similar initiatives in Europe and America. In a statement submitted to the UK Parliament in March 2024, the company emphasized that the British government should not have the authority to limit the security advantages of the end -to -end encryption on behalf of the world’s citizens ”. This statement came to the agenda during the negotiations held within the framework of the amendments planned to the law. Apple had previously opposed the rear door demands of encryption systems of FBI and other security institutions.
Similarly, companies such as Google and Meta have a clear stance on end -to -end encryption services. Since 2018, Google offers end -to -end encryption by default for Android backups. Meta is the popular messaging application Whatsapp It provides a encrypted backup option. Both companies refrained to make an official statement about the rear door demands from governments. Google representative Ed Fernandez said that even if there is a legal order, it is not possible to access Android backup data.
In the United States, the government’s approach to encryption recently has changed. In December 2024, FBI and NSA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand’s cyber security centers, together with the “the highest possible level of possible end -to -end” must be encrypted a security report. However, the UK Security Services did not support this proposal. In particular, children abuse and anti -terrorism encryption technology makes the work of the work of law enforcement officers who argue that the authorities, strict arrangements against encryption should be made.