- It is assumed that the British Home Office has asked Apple to weaken iCloud encryption
- US officials warn this can spell a global disaster
- They encourage the US to consider its relationship with Britain
US Senator Ron Wyden and member of Congress Andy Biggs calls on the US director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, to oppose Britain’s request for an iCloud back door.
They claim that if Apple were to meet Britain’s demand, it would weaken us cyber security and jeopardize both citizens and government data.
In a letter to the newly appointed Gabbard, the couple explains how Apple uses the same encryption software for all markets, therefore a weakened security system in the UK would have a negative impact on both the US and other nations.
UK’s iCloud back door could influence the world
With reports suggesting that the British government has ordered the iPhone manufacturer to weaken its encryption under the Investigation Act 2016, the relocation of the couple is described as an attempt to “ease government spy” – they explain how Apple is ” The tricky from recognizing it it received such an order.
They noticed how “wiretapping systems” are not the only threat-back door access opening the potential for data to be stored elsewhere in potentially less secure places. Wyden and Biggs explain that Chinese threat actors gained access to US government officials’ e -mails during a Microsoft Hack in 2023.
They write: “While the United Kingdom has been a trusted ally, the US government must not allow what is effectively a foreign cyberattack that is passed through political means.”
Gabbard will be asked to reconsider US-UK-Cyber Security Schemes and Intelligence Sharing if Britain does not turn her request and is reminded of her confirmation hearing, saying: “Back door leads down a dangerous path that can undermine the fourth change rights rights and citizens freedoms. “
Yesterday, 109 civil society organizations, businesses and cyber security experts also signed a joint letter calling on the British home office to turn his request. Signatures are collected until February 20, where a complete list of followers and a completed letter will be sent to the home office.