On Wednesday, Apple announced its new Advanced Data Protection feature, which will allow users to easily and securely encrypt more data stored on their iCloud servers. This feature will prevent Apple from seeing user data contents, including full backups, photos, and notes, on their servers.
Apple Plans to Encrypt iCloud Data Making It Impossible to Provide Content to Law Enforcement
According to the story by CNBC, it will make it impossible for Apple to provide the content of an encrypted backup to law enforcement. It's an opt-in feature and will be available in the United States before the end of the year.
The announcement of Apple's new feature has some law enforcement officials on edge. Some have expressed concerns that it will hinder their ability to protect the American people from criminal acts.
The FBI Responded to Apple's Decision Saying It Would Hinder Them from Protecting Americans
This is in stark juxtaposition to the case of the San Bernardino terrorist mentioned by Apple. The FBI had asked Apple to unlock the encrypted iPhone to gain access to the terrorist's data.
The FBI responded to Apple's announcement, saying that the new feature would "hinder" the bureau's ability to "protect the American people from criminal acts." According to the Wall Street Journal, this response fits into a pattern of law enforcement pushing back against encryption, which generally allows those under investigation to "go dark" and denies law enforcement access to potential evidence.
The Apple Advanced Data Protection Feature Ensures iCloud Data is Encrypted and Secure
Though some privacy advocates have criticized Apple for previously allowing them to scan for illegal content, Apple's Advanced Data Protection feature ensures users that their data on iCloud is encrypted and secure.
Apple previously had access to full backups, including text messages, contacts, and other important data. However, now, Apple is making full iCloud backups end-to-end encrypted.
Despite Law Enforcement Concerns, Apple Remains Firm on Their Decision
While this gives users increased security and privacy, it also means that law enforcement will no longer be able to access this type of data in investigations. However, Apple pointed out that an iCloud backup on their servers was an option that could have provided the same data.
Despite the concerns from law enforcement, Apple CEO Tim Cook remains steadfast in his commitment to providing users with the highest levels of security for their data. He expressed his position on the matter in a 2018 interview when he said that Apple's decision around encrypting iCloud backups comes from their need to maintain the trust and privacy of their users.
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Apple Still has a System that Helps Them Catch Illegal Content
Ultimately, Apple is attempting to provide the strongest possible encryption for user data without alienating law enforcement too much. They have implemented a system to scan for illegal content, while allowing users to encrypt their photos on their servers.
Privacy advocates still have concerns, but Apple's goal appears to be to provide users with the highest levels of security while still satisfying law enforcement's needs.
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