ORG and Apple's new privacy features take aim at Online Safety Bill

09/12/2022 | The Guardian

On Wednesday, Apple announced a series of data security improvements the company plans to roll out in 2023 to protect users' personal data. The new features include iMessage Contact Key Verification, Security Keys for Apple ID and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud. Apple Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi said the new features will provide users with "powerful new tools to further protect their most sensitive data and communications." However, the company's expansion of encryption in its services will likely draw criticism from the government. The proposed  Online Safety Bill will require technology companies to limit the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and illegal content. Apple has dropped its CSAM plans alongside plans to encrypt iCloud backups. In a statement, Apple said, "Children can be protected without companies combing through personal data, and we will continue working with governments, child advocates, and other companies to help protect young people, preserve their right to privacy, and make the internet a safer place for children and for us all." The IAPP has posted an article examining Apple's privacy changes and plans to drop its CSAM-detection tool. 

In related news, the Open Rights Group (ORG) has published an article outlining its continued objection to the government's Online Safety Bill. The article focuses on spy clause 106, which will require providers of messaging services (such as WhatsApp or iMessage) to "best endeavours" to develop tools that can scan private messages, paving the way for mass government surveillance. 

Read Full Story
Apple iPhone

What is this page?

You are reading a summary article on the Privacy Newsfeed, a free resource for DPOs and other professionals with privacy or data protection responsibilities helping them stay informed of industry news all in one place. The information here is a brief snippet relating to a single piece of original content or several articles about a common topic or thread. The main contributor is listed in the top left-hand corner, just beneath the article title.

The Privacy Newsfeed monitors over 300 global publications, of which more than 5,750 summary articles have been posted to the online archive dating back to the beginning of 2020. A weekly roundup is available by email every Friday.

Freevacy has been shortlisted in the Best Educator category.
The PICCASO Privacy Awards recognise the people making an outstanding contribution to this dynamic and fast-growing sector.