Apple ordered by UK to create global iCloud encryption backdoor (macrumors.com)

Article summary

The UK government has ordered Apple to create a backdoor in its iCloud encryption, allowing security officials to access encrypted user data worldwide. This demand was made through a technical capability notice under the UK Investigatory Powers Act of 2016. Apple may stop offering encrypted storage in the UK rather than compromise its security promises. The company has previously stated that providing back-door access would open the door for bad actors to gain access to user data.

Main themes

• Encryption backdoors
• UK Investigatory Powers Act
• Apple iCloud security
• Government surveillance
• Data privacy

What commenters say

• The UK government's demand for a backdoor in iCloud encryption is a threat to global data privacy and security.
• Creating a backdoor would compromise the security of all users, not just those in the UK.
• The UK's actions may prompt other governments to make similar demands, leading to a global erosion of encryption security.
• Apple should prioritize user security and resist government demands for backdoors, even if it means withdrawing services from the UK.
• The benefits of encryption backdoors for law enforcement do not outweigh the risks of compromising user data and enabling malicious actors.
• Governments should focus on alternative methods of collecting evidence, rather than relying on backdoors that undermine encryption security.