Apple could be the next target of China's push to get more data stored locally
New Chinese regulations that would require Apple to store more user data locally in the country will soon put the company in a tough spot as it navigates competing interests.
Credit: Apple
A pair of new laws aimed at data security and protection could force Apple and other foreign firms to store more data within China -- and prevent their transfer outside the country's borders. One of the laws went into effect in September, while another takes effect on Nov. 1.
The laws could put Apple in a bind, since legal experts and analysts told The Information that the company could be the next to face pressure from Chinese authorities.
China is a critical market for Apple, and the company has made security and privacy concessions there in the past. But if Apple complies with the new regulations, it's likely to face increased criticism from both U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists.
On the other hand, if Apple chooses to now comply with the laws, Beijing could make it more difficult for the company to operate them -- including by potentially shutting down its services in the country.
Chinese officials say they're concerned that Chinese citizens' data stored outside of the country could be access by U.S. intelligence services. However, user data stored within China can be easily surveilled by state authorities.
Apple already stores iCloud content on local servers in China. However, the new results could force Apple to begin keeping sensitive information such as iPhone usage statistics and communication logs within China's borders. Analysts believe the information could be used to track or identify political dissidents and activists in China.
The new rules, thus far, have forced Tesla to begin storing driver data on servers in China. They've also contributed to LinkedIn essentially shutting down operating in the country, citing "a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements."
Apple is the last major U.S. technology company operating in China that has yet to face pressure under the new laws. It's a major target for Chinese officials, since data suggest that one in every four mobile devices in China is an iPhone.
Read on AppleInsider
Credit: Apple
A pair of new laws aimed at data security and protection could force Apple and other foreign firms to store more data within China -- and prevent their transfer outside the country's borders. One of the laws went into effect in September, while another takes effect on Nov. 1.
The laws could put Apple in a bind, since legal experts and analysts told The Information that the company could be the next to face pressure from Chinese authorities.
China is a critical market for Apple, and the company has made security and privacy concessions there in the past. But if Apple complies with the new regulations, it's likely to face increased criticism from both U.S. lawmakers and human rights activists.
On the other hand, if Apple chooses to now comply with the laws, Beijing could make it more difficult for the company to operate them -- including by potentially shutting down its services in the country.
Chinese officials say they're concerned that Chinese citizens' data stored outside of the country could be access by U.S. intelligence services. However, user data stored within China can be easily surveilled by state authorities.
Apple already stores iCloud content on local servers in China. However, the new results could force Apple to begin keeping sensitive information such as iPhone usage statistics and communication logs within China's borders. Analysts believe the information could be used to track or identify political dissidents and activists in China.
The new rules, thus far, have forced Tesla to begin storing driver data on servers in China. They've also contributed to LinkedIn essentially shutting down operating in the country, citing "a significantly more challenging operating environment and greater compliance requirements."
Apple is the last major U.S. technology company operating in China that has yet to face pressure under the new laws. It's a major target for Chinese officials, since data suggest that one in every four mobile devices in China is an iPhone.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
So it reads above that Apple has access to our "iPhone usage statistics and communication logs" ?
I have a feeling it's the first option that Apple will choose.
When setting up an Apple device, the user is prompted whether they want to share such information with Apple and/or developers. The user in control of this and can change it at any time. I've always opted to share such info, as it's sent anonymously.
I don't have an answer here except that in the future this will be a huge issue. Cars will have nav and communication, as will TV's and glasses and coats. 'Data' and all it has grown to encapsulate will only get to be a bigger part of every companies business. So do US companies just ignore the rest of the world when they hit a national law that goes against, well, what exactly? My idea of 'freedom'? Texas' idea of freedom? It's a much more complicated and nuanced issue I think. US businesses wouldn't do well if we decide to ignore every country that has onerous laws. I think everyone happily sells in Saudi Arabia, not even close to being a bastion of freedom. Again, I don't have the answer but it's silly to put this down to 'profit or capitulation' as I'm not even sure exactly what laws in other countries you don't like.
Apple can continue to move more production out of mainland China to reduce the leverage (implied threat of sanctions) Chinese authorities may have over Apple’s decision making process. No one can predict with any certainty how the Chinese Communist Party will act in the future. But Apple needs to be prepared for the worst. It’s called risk reduction.
It will do what the government asks them to do in those countries that don’t.
Apple can only do what the government of the country they are operating in allows.
No corporation is going to fall on their sword for a principle.
That's the way it is.
But Apple don't aid the FBI and CIA in routine surveillance of anyone and everyone; they only respond to court ordered warrants.