British Government Orders Apple to Provide Access to Encrypted Accounts

What Happened?

The British government has reportedly ordered technology giant Apple to create a back door allowing them to retrieve all the content any Apple user worldwide has uploaded to the cloud. 

Though the full text and details of the order have not been made public, according to the Washington Post, the new directive ‘requires blanket capability to view fully encrypted material, not merely assistance in cracking a specific account, and has no known precedent in major democracies.’

Apple has not responded to the reports of the British government’s demands beyond saying the company views privacy as a ‘fundamental human right.’

The British Home Office issued a statement saying ‘We do not comment on operational matters, including for example confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.’

The demand would apply to all content stored using what Apple terms ‘Advanced Data Protection.’

Why it Matters

According to Apple, ‘Advanced Data Protection is designed to maintain end-to-end encryption for shared content including iCloud Shared Photo Library, iCloud Drive shared folders, and shared Notes.’

The exact number of users who employ Advanced Data Protection is not known publicly, but could easily be in the millions.

Security agencies in Britain and a host of other countries around the world have long held concerns that Apple users could utilize the companies sophisticated encryption to cover up illicit activity or even to facilitate those activities themselves. 

The ability to communicate securely and instantly worldwide could be used by a range of criminals to conduct and hide illegal transactions. Although to date no specific evidence has been offered to prove that is the case.

One possible reason why no such evidence has been discovered is because law enforcement agencies simply don’t have a way to access all Apple accounts. Apple contends that user privacy is a top priority for the company and has been reluctant to cooperate with investigators in the past who accused users of criminal activity. 

Such accusations can put Apple in a bind; law enforcement may lack evidence because the evidence itself is hidden behind powerful encryption. But if the company cooperates it risks undermining user confidence in Apple’s pledge to protect privacy.

The British government likely only wants to access data behind Advanced Data Protection when there is a national security issue at stake, such as terrorist groups plotting a future attack and hiding their activities through encryption. 

But private citizens would have no way to be sure that is the only reason government officials could access encrypted user data. 

How it Affects You

The British order to Apple is the latest chapter in the struggle between privacy and security. 

In a world where malicious actors and software are growing, Apple has a legitimate case to provide its users with a higher level of encryption. 

But governments too have an obligation to protect their citizens from criminals and terrorists. 

If Apple refuses to comply, the issue will likely end up in a British court.