Apple Threatens to Remove FaceTime and iMessage in the UK Amid Proposed Surveillance Law Modifications

Image credit : UK Parliament Apple has issued a statement indicating that it will withdraw services like FaceTime and iMessage from the UK if the government proceeds with its plans to amend surveillance legislation. The proposed changes to the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which came into effect in 2016, would grant the British Home Office the authority to compel tech companies to disable security features, such as end-to-end encryption, without public disclosure. The IPA also permits the collection and storage of internet browsing records and personal data in bulk within the UK. Currently, tech companies have some independent oversight and can appeal before complying with such demands. However, the proposed update to the IPA would require immediate disabling of security features without informing the public. [caption id="attachment_188215" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image credit : 9to5Mac[/caption] The UK government has initiated an eight-week consultation process on the proposed amendments to the IPA, open to various stakeholders. Apple has submitted a nine-page document expressing its opposition to several aspects of the changes. The company objects to the requirement of notifying the Home Office about any alterations to product security features before their release, the obligation for non-UK-based companies to comply with changes affecting their products globally, and the need to take immediate action upon receiving a request from the Home Office without any review or appeals process. Apple has pointed out that some of the requested changes to features would necessitate a software update, making them impossible to implement without public knowledge. The company claims that the proposals pose a serious threat to data security and privacy, not only in the UK but also for people outside the country. Also read : Apple Watch Comes to the Rescue of One More User, Norwegian Runner’s Life Saved After Fall Additionally, Apple, along with WhatsApp and Signal, opposes a clause in the UK's proposed Online Safety Bill that would allow the communications regulator to mandate the installation of technology for scanning for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in encrypted messaging apps and other services. Signal has even threatened to leave the UK if this clause is implemented.