Apple Withdraws Encryption Service for UK Customers
The UK government’s demand for Apple to implement a backdoor in its software to allow intelligence agencies access to encrypted customer data has faced criticism. A former top cyber security official has labeled this request as “naive,” given the expectation of maintaining it in secrecy.
Ciaran Martin, former head of the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and founding CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), discussed these developments following reports of the government’s unprecedented demand for unrestricted access to Apple customer data worldwide, despite encryption.
These requests, made under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, are typically kept hidden from the public eye. However, Martin noted the challenges of maintaining confidentiality regarding such significant orders. “The idea that this type of order against a company like Apple would work in secret was probably naive,” he stated.
Although the Home Office and Apple have remained silent regarding the specifics of the request due to legal restrictions, Apple announced in February the cessation of its Advanced Data Protection service for new UK users. “As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or a master key to any of our products or services and we never will,” the company stated, acknowledging its ongoing legal battle against the UK order.
Martin emphasized that clashes between government and technology sectors over security are common. He recalled instances during his career where he requested tech companies modify products that were being exploited for criminal activities. “They would have a new app or something, and it would become a favorite of criminals because of a particular feature, and you just say, ‘look, no, you can’t do this,’” Martin explained, highlighting the nuances of balancing innovation with safety.
Ultimately, he stressed that the permanence of unbreakable encryption means governments must adapt to this reality. “That ship has sailed,” he asserted. “Governments are going to have to come to terms with this reality, and compelling major technology providers will likely prove ineffective in the long run.”
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