A former cyber security chief criticized the UK government for requesting Apple to create a backdoor in its software, allowing surveillance of customer data. This demand, made under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, was expected to be kept confidential, but details have surfaced.
Ciaran Martin, previously with GCHQ and NCSC, highlighted the unrealistic nature of keeping such orders private, stating it was “naive” to think so. Apple has not confirmed the demand, but it has stopped offering its Advanced Data Protection service in the UK. The company maintained its stance on not creating backdoors in their products.
Despite clashes between governments and tech companies on security matters, Martin emphasizes the need for compromise. He recalls instances where technology firms were asked to remove features exploited for criminal activities. However, he asserts that unbreakable encryption is now a reality that governments must accept.
Martin believes that forcing major tech companies to comply with such requests may prove futile in the long run. He suggests that governments need to adapt to the new encryption landscape.
Vocabulary List:
- Backdoor /ˈbæk.dɔːr/ (noun): A hidden method of bypassing normal authentication in a system.
- Surveillance /sərˈveɪ.ləns/ (noun): Close observation especially of a suspected spy or criminal.
- Compromise /ˈkɒm.prə.maɪz/ (noun): An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.
- Naive /naɪˈiːv/ (adjective): Lacking experience wisdom or judgment; innocent or unsophisticated.
- Futile /ˈfjʊtaɪl/ (adjective): Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
- Encryption /ɪnˈkrɪp.ʃən/ (noun): The process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access.
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