JAKARTA - The FBI is deeply concerned about Apple's decision to add new security protection to the cloud storage system as it will hamper the agency's ability to prevent various crimes.
Apple already uses end-to-end encryption for iMessages among other Apple devices- which means messages can only be read on smartphones, not by Apple or law enforcement.
With an update announced Wednesday, December 7 the tech giant will allow users to protect most of the data they upload to iCloud.
"This hinders our ability to protect the American people from criminal acts ranging from cyber attacks and violence against children to drug trafficking, organized crimes, and terrorism," an FBI spokesman told the Washington Post.
The FBI added that it is very concerned about end-to-end threats and user access encryption poses only.
In this era of cybersecurity and demands for'security based on design', the FBI and law enforcement partners require "legitimate access based on design."
The new encryption option will soon be available for public software testers, for all US customers by the end of this year and for other countries starting next year, Apple said in its announcement. They added that the end-to-end launch may not reach any country by the end of 2023.
"Advanced Data Protection is Apple's highest level of cloud data security, giving users the option of protecting most of their iCloud data that is most sensitive to end-to-end encryption so that it can only be decrypted on their trusted devices," Ivan Krstieksa said. Apple's Head of Security Engineering and Architecture, in a statement quoted by the Daily Mail.
While the vast majority of users will never be the victims of highly targeted cyberattacks, Apple will work tirelessly to protect the small number of users who are. I’m deeply proud of our next steps, including a groundbreaking feature: Lockdown Mode. https://t.co/SESG7cnG1s
— Ivan Krstić (@radian) July 6, 2022
According to security experts quoted by Apple, the total number of data breaches has more than tripled between 2013 and 2021, which revealed 1.1 billion personal records worldwide in 2021 alone.
This is not the first time Apple has a conflict with law enforcement regarding the provision of access to user data.
In 2020, Apple decided to reduce plans to further encrypt iCloud data after receiving significant resistance from the FBI.
However, the new privacy policy will most likely be a very effective means of law enforcement.
During a six-month period covered by Apple's recent transparency report, the company said it had submitted user content for legal reasons 3,980 times, mostly in the United States and Brazil.
While privacy experts are very pleased with Apple's announcement.
"It's incredible," said koordinator Whittaker, president of Signal, an encrypted chat app, told the Washington Post. There is quite a lot of pressure and narration work they see in terms of historical formation. This is truly extraordinary."
The tech giant also said it was making the iPhone compatible with physical security keys connected to the phone so users could ask them to access their devices. This will prevent attackers stealing passwords and usernames from breaking into the phone.
At Apple, we are immovable in our commitment to provide our users with the best data security in the world. We are constantly identifying and mitigating the threats that arise to their personal data on devices and in the cloud," said Craig Federighi, senior vice president of Apple's Software Engineering.
"Our security team is working tirelessly to keep user data safe, and with iMessage Contact Lock Verification, Security Key, and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, users will have three new, sophisticated tools to better protect their most sensitive data and communications," he added.
Despite Apple's reputation as a pro-privacy company, two developers recently issued reports finding that the company collects data about its customers as they use pre-installed apps, such as the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Books, and Shares - even when they have disabled analytic sharing.
The app sends Apple requests that include what apps users see, including those related to sexual and religious preferences, the stocks they watch, and what ads they see.
Data collection also includes ID numbers and the types of devices used are sufficient for device fingerprints.
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