Apple threatens to withdraw Facetime, iMessage over UK spy law amendments

20/07/2023 | The Guardian

Apple has expressed concern that proposed changes to the UK's Investigatory Powers Act 2016 could lead to the withdrawal of security features on its products and could affect iPhone users’ privacy. The technology company warns that the government's plans could result in the closure of products like FaceTime and iMessage to UK customers. Apple said the Home Office consultation proposes “mandating” operators to notify the home secretary of changes to a service that could have a “negative impact on investigatory powers”.

Apple has become a vocal opponent of what it views as the UK government's moves against online privacy, following a statement last month that provisions in the forthcoming Online Safety Bill endanger message encryption. 

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