Apple can withdraw security facility in UK: Government demand unrestricted data access | Mint

Britain has demanded that Apple provides a comprehensive access to user data stored on its cloud platform, marking an unprecedented step in major democracy, according to a report, according to a reportWashington Post,

Allegedly, the order issued under the “technical capacity notice” last month is asked to go beyond standard requests for assistance to reach specific accounts. Instead, it wants the blanket access to the data, increasing the concerns on privacy and digital security.

Governments often request data from technology companies to assist in criminal investigation, but the scale of Britain’s demand is called without example. Neither the Home Office nor Apple has publicly commented on the report.

According to a report by Reuters, the notice was issued under the Investigation Powerrs Act 2016, which consolidated various monitoring and interception of laws. While security agencies argue that data haemors have been encrypted to deal with criminal activity, technology firms have essentially defended frequent encryption for user privacy.

A major point of controversy is Apple’s advanced data security facility, which ensures that only users-not even apple-can access their cloud-related data. While most Apple customers use basic security features such as two-workmanship, it provides an additional layer of advanced safety safety security that are looking for increased security.

Possible impact on Apple’s security facilities

Apple has earlier stated that he will never make a “back door” in his products and has warned that advanced data security may have to be withdrawn from the UK if forced to follow such demands. During the government consultation last year on the update of the Investigation Powers Act, Apple expressed concern that proposed changes could weaken safety security for all users.

The latest step follows the beginning of the UK’s Online Security Act 2023, compulsory for action against child sexual abuse materials on online platforms. However, technology firms, including Meta’s WhatsApp and encrypted messaging service signal, have argued that the law reduces end-to-end encryption, which ensures that private communication is safe.

This is not the first time Apple has faced government pressure on encryption. In 2016, the company successfully opposed an US government order to unlock an encrypted iPhone involved in the San Bernardino terror attack, arguing that creating a backdoor would be a dangerous example.

(With input from Reuters)