The UK government has ordered Apple to implement encryption backdoors in iCloud, leading Apple to remove Advanced Data Protection for UK users. This decision represents a significant threat to global digital privacy and security, following a pattern of governments attempting to weaken encryption worldwide. The situation exemplifies ongoing challenges in balancing national security with individual privacy rights.
Larry Ellison advocates for centralizing all national data, including genomic information, into a single Oracle database system for AI analysis, suggesting this approach would improve healthcare and government services. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, the Oracle tycoon promoted the idea of comprehensive data unification while dismissing privacy concerns, just months after endorsing real-time population surveillance.
The UK government has secretly ordered Apple to provide backdoor access to all encrypted user content uploaded to iCloud, potentially affecting users worldwide. Apple may cease offering encrypted storage in the UK rather than compromise security, though this wouldn't affect the broader order for access in other countries. The demand comes through the UK Investigatory Powers Act, which critics call the 'Snooper's Charter'.