It turns out when the FBI isn’t releasing tone-deaf tweets about MLK apparently they’re indirectly making Apple devices less secure for their own investigative ends. A report on Reuters claims Apple wanted to expand encryption options, but were stopped by the American government agency.
Specifically, the FBI objected to Apple’s proposal of end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups. For all of my issues with Apple (high price, no headphone jack, bad original TV shows) I legitimately appreciate their commitment to security in the face of competitors whose business models revolve around shady sales of user data. End-to-end encryption prevents access of information without some user consent even if that data is technically stored on a vulnerable server elsewhere. Apple already uses it for health tracking and stored passwords. But expanding to all the sensitive files you may upload online to iCloud would be a big next step.
Unfortunately, the step was too big for the FBI. While the encryption would be great for users trying to keep things private, it would hinder the Feds looking for incriminating evidence from a suspected criminal. Apple and the FBI already have a tense relationship when it comes to unlocking spicy data. Even when Apple complies authorities authorities say they aren’t doing enough. But can consumers really trust a tech company that just rolls on you and your data without a fight?
End-to-end encryption ambitions for iCloud might be dead at the moment, accidentally locking yourself out is also a valid concern outside of FBI pressure, but there are still plenty of ways to keep and your information safe and secure online. Check out SecurityWatch on our sister site PCMag.com for more.
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