- The British home office would have asked Apple to weaken iCloud encryption
- US officials warn that this could explain a global disaster
- They urge the United States to reconsider its relationship with the United Kingdom
American senator Ron Wyden and the member of the Andy Bigg Congress urge the US National Intelligence Director, Tulsi Gabbard, to oppose the United Kingdom’s request for an iCloud stolen door.
They argue that if Apple had to comply with the United Kingdom’s request, this would weaken American cybersecurity, endangering data from citizens and government.
In a newly named Gabbard letter, the pair explains how Apple uses the same encryption software for all markets, therefore a weakened security system in the United Kingdom would have a negative impact in the United States and other nations.
The ICLOUD Shape Porte from the United Kingdom could have an impact on the world
With reports suggesting that the British government has ordered the iPhone manufacturer to weaken its encryption under the 2016 law on investigation powers, this decision was described by the pair as an effort to “facilitate the Government espionage ” – They explain how Apple is” gagged to recognize that this he received such an order.
They noted how “electronic listening systems” are not the only threat – access to the stolen door opens the potential that the data is stored elsewhere, in potentially less secure locations. Wyden and Biggs explain how Chinese threat actors obtained access to emails from US government officials during Microsoft hacking in 2023.
They write: “While the United Kingdom has been an ally of trust, the United States government should not allow what is indeed a foreign cyberattack led by political means.”
Gabbard is invited to reconsider the cybersecurity arrangements of the United States and the sharing of information if Great Britain does not reverse his request, and recalls her confirmation speech, in which she said: “Waller lead to a Dangerous path that can undermine the rights of Americans from the fourth amendment of Americans and civil freedoms. »»
Yesterday, 109 civil society organizations, companies and cybersecurity experts also signed a joint letter urging the United Kingdom office to overthrow its request. Signatures are collected until February 20, when a complete list of supporters and a finalized letter will be sent to the home office.
