Two US lawmakers, Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Andy Biggs, are worried about a request from the UK. The UK wants to see encrypted data from Apple users worldwide. They think this request is "dangerous" and "shortsighted."
The lawmakers wrote a letter to Tulsi Gabbard, who is the national intelligence director. They said the UK’s demand could hurt the privacy and safety of Americans. They warned that the UK should stop this action or face serious consequences.
The UK says this request is about security. They want to access data only if there is a threat, not to look at everyone’s information. The request concerns data that is protected by Apple’s "Advanced Data Protection." This type of protection keeps users’ information private.
If Apple must open its data, it could weaken security for everyone, including US citizens. Apple has said it will not create a backdoor in its products. They may stop providing some services in the UK if this demand continues.
Both lawmakers and privacy experts are worried about the effects of this request.
Vocabulary List:
Encrypted /ɪnˈkrɪp.tɪd/ (adjective): Converted into a code to prevent unauthorized access.
Dangerous /ˈdeɪndʒərəs/ (adjective): Able or likely to cause harm or injury.
Consequences /ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwənsɪz/ (noun): The result or effect of an action or condition.
Threat /θrɛt/ (noun): A statement of an intention to cause pain injury or damage.
Privacy /ˈprɪvəsi/ (noun): The state or condition of being free from being observed or disturbed by other people.
Protection /prəˈtɛkʃən/ (noun): The action of protecting someone or something or the state of being protected.
