https://9to5mac.com/2023/07/20/apple-imessage-facetime-remove-security-law/

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Apple says it would remove iMessage and FaceTime in the UK rather
than break end-to-end encryption

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo | Jul 20 2023 - 5:41 am PT
59 Comments
iMessage

Facing possible legislation that would require messaging services to
offer backdoors in end-to-end encryption, Apple is saying it would
rather remove apps like iMessage and FaceTime entirely from the UK
market (via BBC News).

The new Online Safety Bill is currently under review. Apple,
WhatsApp, Signal, and other services have voiced their opposition to
the proposal.

[INS::INS]

The UK government wants the ability to scan end-to-end encrypted
messages, for child-abuse material and other illegal content. They
argue the existing law accommodates this but is technically outdated
by the security provisions of modern technology.

Apple has submitted a nine-page opposition to the planned bill. It
strongly objects to requirements such as backdoors for end-to-end
encryption, reporting changes to product security features before
they are released and being forced to disable security features
before an appeals process can take place.

Top comment by FOHEng

Liked by 14 people

Good move by Apple. Some people might think Apple is conceding to
WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram. How could these companies continue to
operate in the UK (while talking about their privacy via encryption)?

I think to save face they're all going to have to make similar
announcements. Which will put these regulators in a no-win situation
and likely force them to back down.

View all comments

The company said it would not make changes for one country that would
weaken security for all of its users, threatening instead to disable
iMessage and FaceTime for UK customers.

The proposed law is currently undergoing an eight-week consultation
period. Obviously, Apple and others hope the government will revise
the bill in response to the criticism.

Apple previously withdrew plans for its own CSAM-scanning feature for
iCloud Photos, following pushback from customers and human rights
groups. Apple's solution was more privacy-preserving than what is now
proposed by the UK government.

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Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo @bzamayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and
rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour
podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or
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