Open the iPod Bay Door, HAL

LOCKED DOWN

I’m sorry, Dave, Apple can’t do that:

Apple said Wednesday night that it is making it impossible for the company to turn over data from most iPhones or iPads to police — even when they have a search warrant — taking a hard new line as tech companies attempt to blunt allegations that they have too readily participated in government efforts to collect user information.

The move, announced with the publication of a new privacy policy tied to the release of Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 8, amounts to an engineering solution to a legal quandary: Rather than comply with binding court orders, Apple has reworked its latest encryption in a way that prevents the company — or anyone but the device’s owner — from gaining access to the vast troves of user data typically stored on smartphones or tablet computers.

Advertisement

It will be difficult for Google and Microsoft not to follow suit, which is good news for consumers everywhere.

*****

Cross-posted from Vodkapundit

Recommended

Trending on PJ Media Videos

Join the conversation as a VIP Member

Advertisement
Advertisement