Apple, other tech companies ask Obama to reject proposals for software backdoors
In a letter to be delivered to President Barack Obama on Tuesday, Apple is among a group of signatories requesting the White House reject incoming government proposals that would modify current policies to allow law enforcement access to encrypted user data.
As reported by The Washington Post, which gained access to the letter on Monday, Apple joins a cadre of more than 140 tech companies, security experts and interested civil groups concerned with upcoming legislation that could force access to consumer data, even if it is encrypted.
"Strong encryption is the cornerstone of the modern information economy's security," the letter reads. Further, signatories unanimously recommend that government agencies should "fully support and not undermine efforts to create encryption standards."
According to The Post, three signatories were on a five-member presidential review team formed to investigate U.S. technology policy in 2013, just after former NSA contractor Edward Snowden sparked public outrage by leaking information regarding secret government surveillance programs. Among the revelations aired by Snowden was the existence of mass data collection initiatives targeting everything from phone calls to social networks and other high-traffic consumer products.
Law enforcement officials claim technology companies like Apple are making their job increasingly difficult by rolling out opaque encryption techniques that make data and other forms of communication inaccessible. Some agencies are requesting so-called "backdoors" be built into otherwise secure software with the express purpose of accessing data deemed vital to criminal investigations.
With iOS 8, Apple built an encryption system so secure that it is technically incapable of decrypting a user's device even with the appropriate documentation. The lockout method was not well received by officials wanting access to user data, a procedure allowed through proper warrants.
For example, former Deputy Attorney General James Cole said at the time that Apple's iOS encryption poses a hinderance to crime fighting operations and would one day lead to the death of a child. FBI Director James Comey voiced similar concerns, saying iOS data encryption puts consumers "above the law" and Apple is actively advertising that fact.
As reported by The Washington Post, which gained access to the letter on Monday, Apple joins a cadre of more than 140 tech companies, security experts and interested civil groups concerned with upcoming legislation that could force access to consumer data, even if it is encrypted.
"Strong encryption is the cornerstone of the modern information economy's security," the letter reads. Further, signatories unanimously recommend that government agencies should "fully support and not undermine efforts to create encryption standards."
According to The Post, three signatories were on a five-member presidential review team formed to investigate U.S. technology policy in 2013, just after former NSA contractor Edward Snowden sparked public outrage by leaking information regarding secret government surveillance programs. Among the revelations aired by Snowden was the existence of mass data collection initiatives targeting everything from phone calls to social networks and other high-traffic consumer products.
Law enforcement officials claim technology companies like Apple are making their job increasingly difficult by rolling out opaque encryption techniques that make data and other forms of communication inaccessible. Some agencies are requesting so-called "backdoors" be built into otherwise secure software with the express purpose of accessing data deemed vital to criminal investigations.
With iOS 8, Apple built an encryption system so secure that it is technically incapable of decrypting a user's device even with the appropriate documentation. The lockout method was not well received by officials wanting access to user data, a procedure allowed through proper warrants.
For example, former Deputy Attorney General James Cole said at the time that Apple's iOS encryption poses a hinderance to crime fighting operations and would one day lead to the death of a child. FBI Director James Comey voiced similar concerns, saying iOS data encryption puts consumers "above the law" and Apple is actively advertising that fact.
Comments
I applaud all the tech companies for fighting for our privacy.
It was posted after midnight. People have to sleep.
How about firearms?
Let's consider first which kind of representatives asks for backdoors
"How are there no comments on this."
It was posted after midnight. People have to sleep.
Seriously, there is a whole world outside of the US.
It's after midnight all over the world? Amazing!
For now it is a US-centric story, so obviously @jfc1138's observation was valid.
From what I recall, part of the Edward Snowden revelations were that Apple, Google, Microsoft, etc. have already allowed the Feds a backdoor to their (our) data. This sounds like windown dressing to me. I'm all for making it harder if not impossible for this type of surveillance, but I don't think Apple and the rest have been honest about what they have already allowed to be done.
That's an interesting point. Another: most customers of Apple (and Windows) aren't American. The indignation at the US government spying on US citizens is irrelevant to most of Apple's customers. What matters to them is the US government spying on them
Also, China. But I think you can anyway conclude any text nowadays by "also, China"", and it will mean something sensible
Cue Dr Evil: Mmmrrright.
None of his posts actually said that. Snowden's data simply showed that the NSA had gained access to various companies systems. That could (more reasonably) they had learned to exploit weaknesses and knew how to circumvent the implemented encryption. Take the "go to fail" issue found in Apple's secure layer code for an example.
http://recode.net/2015/02/15/white-house-red-chair-obama-meets-swisher/
How are there no comments on this. it is incredible what the gov't would do to get our information. God forbid we have privacy especially on our mobile devices. I got nothing to hide, but the sheer fact that nothing can be private is atrocious. Trying to state that the privacy of our devices will cause the death of a child is ridiculous. If a sadistic nut job wants to cause harm, they will find a way.
I applaud all the tech companies for fighting for our privacy.
Your dissent is noted... forever.
On that note it only takes one screw up in America to cause drastic change. If they can proof beyond a doubt a major crime could have been prevented then they would easily get sweeping change.
At what point does it become 'before midnight'? Noon?
This boils down to a complete lack of trust of law enforcement personnel to use back doors only when absolutely needed. I don't especially want either my kids nor myself harmed by terrorists, but NSA has shot itself in the foot by essentially running unrestrained (and over-funded) for decades. If there was decent oversight I wouldn't mind.
As for the UK, successive governments rubber stamp absolutely ANYTHING GCHQ wants to do. If you notice, the Snowden leaks almost always point to GCHQ as much as NSA.
The ability to have secrets must be a jealously guarded right.
As a person whose sworn duty is to uphold and protect the Constitution, he has been doing a lousy job. 2016 can't come fast enough.
For the interested few Kara Swisher interviewed Obama on this topic a few weeks ago. In essence he says he's a strong proponent of privacy and encryption but at the same time notes there's instances where it's essential for law enforcement to access user data in cases of terrorism and/or national threats. More to read here:
http://recode.net/2015/02/15/white-house-red-chair-obama-meets-swisher/
As a person whose sworn duty is to uphold and protect the Constitution, he has been doing a lousy job. 2016 can't come fast enough.
So, who's done a great job on that? (Please don't say Reagan).