Apple has joined a chorus of technology providers expressing concern about the powers included in the UK Online Safety Bill, which could require encrypted messaging services like iMessage, WhatsApp, and Signal to scan messages for child abuse material. The development comes after a group of academics, cyber experts and over 80 civil society organisations from 23 countries wrote an open letter to Technology Minister Chloe Smith in June, calling for the government to reconsider its plans and to safeguard encryption.
In a statement, Apple said:
"End-to-end encryption is a critical capability that protects the privacy of journalists, human rights activists, and diplomats. It also helps everyday citizens defend themselves from surveillance, identity theft, fraud, and data breaches.
"The Online Safety Bill poses a serious threat to this protection and could put UK citizens at greater risk. Apple urges the government to amend the bill to protect strong end-to-end encryption for the benefit of all."
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