NEWS  News  December 14, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Apple has tightened its grip on user privacy by mandating a court order for the disclosure of data related to push notifications on its iPhone range. This move brings Apple's terms and conditions in line with those of Google, presenting a united front in protecting user information.The changes, although not formally communicated by Apple, were discovered on an updated list of law enforcement guidelines published online. This alteration comes on the heels of warnings by Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, who raised concerns about unidentified governments attempting to surveil smartphone users through the tracking of push notifications.

Push notifications, the system through which users receive messages or updates from apps, have become a focal point for potential privacy breaches. Data associated with these notifications could enable authorities to link anonymous users of messaging applications to specific Google or Apple accounts. Reuters reported last week that both foreign and U.S. government agencies had sought data from Apple and Google concerning push notification data.

Apple's updated terms now explicitly state that user information will be made available only "with a subpoena or greater legal process". Google, whose policy already aligned with this stance, maintains a similar requirement for legal authorization.

Senator Wyden emphasized the unique position of Apple and Google in facilitating government surveillance of app usage, urging the Department of Justice to reconsider policies that might impede public debate on push notification surveillance.

In response, Apple acknowledged that Senator Wyden's inquiries provided an opportunity to discuss government monitoring. The company stated:

"Now that this method has become public, we are updating our transparency reporting to detail these kinds of requests."

Google expressed agreement with Wyden's commitment to keeping users informed about such data requests.

Despite these revelations, the Department of Justice has not commented on the monitoring of push notification data or whether it had restricted Apple and Google from publicly disclosing such requests. Senator Wyden commended Apple for its alignment with Google, emphasizing that requiring a judge's order is a step in the right direction to protect user data from unwarranted access by authorities.

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