Apple Rejects Digital Control Regulations In The UK

Assault in Paris to make the British government confirmed the Investigatory Power Bills, rules concerning public oversight digital activities as soon as possible. Apple opposes this. They had sent a statement to the committee responsible for this regulation.

The Guardian reported that Apple refused to compromise on the privacy of its users. They mention, make an alias backdoor encryption key to the government will only undermine the security of hundreds of millions of devices made by Apple. In addition, it is also possible backdoor that can be used by other parties.

"We believe, weakens the security of hundreds of millions of devices owned by the public good is wrong. The weakness of this security will also help people who are mean-spirited," wrote Apple.

"The cyber threat continues to grow, companies must be able to use strong encryption to protect their customers."


See also: Your Phone Tells About You


As noted by TechCrunch, the British government allegedly wanted to accelerate the regulatory approval of digital surveillance and they hope, no parties who oppose them. Investigatory Powers Bill aims to give permission to a party to monitor digital activity en masse.

Prior to this, there has been legislation called DRIPA (Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act) that have the same function. This Regulation will expire at the end of the year. In contrast to DRIPA, Investigatory Powers Bill will also allow ISPs, Internet service providers, to record the user's Internet activity for 12 months.

Currently, there is a debate about the encryption between the government and private companies. The Government believes the new legislation passes they wish to have the same scope with existing regulations. However, technology companies and privacy advocates said the language used on the new regulations make the scope of the regulation become much more widespread.

Apple does not want the protocol used for iMessage change. Nowadays, when you send messages using iMessage, all existing content is encrypted. Messages that you send can not be read even by Apple, because they do not have the encryption key. If the government is forcing Apple to provide a backdoor or encryption key, then the message is sent through iMessage can be compromised by hackers.

"Making the backdoor and the ability to take messages when submitted will only weaken the existing security system on Apple products and will jeopardize all our customers," Apple wrote. "A key is placed under the door not only be used by people but also the bad guy."

Apple also rejected the other clause in the draft regulation of digital surveillance. In such clauses, the security company will be allowed to hack into someone's computer and mobile phone and the company should assist the government.

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