Home Office attacks iphone encryption

APPLE has provoked a clash with the Government by unveiling plans to encrypt iphone backup files often used in police investigations.

Apple’s Advanced Data Protection will prevent anyone except individual users from viewing the saved content from their phone.

Law enforcement agencies routinely access unencrypted backups during investigations.

Yesterday, the Home Office condemned the move, saying it will block police from being able to gather evidence. A spokesman said: “It is essential that law enforcement and security agencies are able to access the data they need to safeguard victims and prosecute offenders.”

Matthew Green, an encryption expert from Johns Hopkins University, said Apple’s move could trigger other tech companies into following suit.

He said: “Even as an opt-in feature, this move will have repercussions all over the industry as competitors chase them.” Conservative MP David Davis this week said: “Encryption protects our data but also our most fundamental of rights in a liberal democracy: the right to have a private conversation, without fear of the state listening in.”

A House of Commons committee on the Online Safety Bill last year

‘Even as an opt-in feature, it will have repercussions all over the industry as competitors chase them’

described the technology as a “specific risk” to public safety.

The Home Office said it is only in favour of encryption schemes that have back doors for police and other public sector bodies.

Privacy campaigners say back doors can also be accessed nefariously. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.