The U.K. government is pursuing a legislation that would force companies like Apple and others to offer backdoors in end-to-end encryption apps, including iMessage and FaceTime. WhatsApp and Signal, which are end-to-end encrypted, were also included, with Apple said to be entirely against this proposal. In fact, the California-based firm said that it would remove both of its services in the region rather than allow any form of scanning.
Apple says it is not in favor of making a change for just one country that will ultimately threaten the security of millions of users worldwide
An update to the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 will allow the U.K. government to scan apps like iMessage and FaceTime, disabling their security features without informing the public. To no one’s surprise, Apple is opposed to these measures, with another app Signal stating that it will leave the U.K. if the legislation is passed. Ultimately, the government’s plan is to introduce backdoors so that it can scan for child abuse and other illegal content. Apple has submitted a 9-page document detailing why it is against the bill, according to BBC News.
The company states that it will not introduce a change in a single country while potentially endangering the security of millions of users using iMessage and FaceTime worldwide, hence why it is threatening to disable both these services in the U.K. The law is currently undergoing an 8-week consultation period, with Apple likely hoping that the government introduces some hefty changes, including removing the option to introduce backdoors to these apps.
Apple also says that the changes required by the U.K. government would mean the company would have to issue a software update, and unfortunately, the changelogs are public, so the information will be available to everyone. Cyber-security expert from Surrey University, Professor Alan Woodward, also believes that technology companies will not accept the legislation, so the government will either have to amend the laws or face the risk of the firms pulling their apps from the country.
News Source: BBC
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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