Apple has updated its privacy policy as part of the latest version of its operating system: iOS 8. Newly-updated iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch mobile devices can no longer be accessed by anyone, not even by Apple itself.
Previously, if law enforcement came to Apple with a seized device and a valid warrant, that agency was able to access a substantial portion of the data already on an iPad or iPhone. But under the latest version of iOS, that will now be impossible.
According to Apple IOS8’s privacy web page at https://www.apple.com/privacy/government-information-requests, “On devices running iOS 8, your personal data such as photos, messages (including attachments), email, contacts, call history, iTunes content, notes, and reminders is placed under the protection of your passcode. Unlike our competitors, Apple cannot bypass your passcode and therefore cannot access this data. So it’s not technically feasible for us to respond to government warrants for the extraction of this data from devices in their possession running iOS 8.”
In contrast, Google does provide all information stored on an Android cell phone in response to request by law enforcement agencies. Apple used to do the same but the new updates in iOS8 make it a moot point: with the new release of iOS8, even Apple cannot decode the encrypted data on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch devices.
- UK Spy Chief Throws Privacy in the Fire, Says It’s not an ‘Absolute Right’
- Update: Colorado’s Mark Udall Loses Re-election Bid
Categories: Cell Phones
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Privacy Blog 