Apple now requires court orders in U.S. to access push notification data

2024-12-24 07:14:29 source: category:Stocks

WASHINGTON (AP) — Apple is now requiring that U.S. law enforcement agencies obtain a court order for information on its customers’ push notifications, the alerts that iPhone apps send users that can reveal a lot about their online activity.

Push notifications alert smartphone users to breaking news alerts, incoming messages, weather bulletins and other content.

The policy shift was not formally announced but rather appeared in an updated version of Apple’s law enforcement guidelines posted online. Apple’s main competitor in mobile operating systems, Google, already had such a policy in place for its Android system.

The Cupertino, California, company did not immediately respond to questions about it.

Other news Maine is considering California-style incentives to encourage electric vehicle sales California Gov. Gavin Newsom advances water tunnel project amid opposition from environmental groups Biden launches a Hollywood fundraising blitz to tap into star power with strikes over

The privacy-enhancing policy was added following last week’s disclosure by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden that his office had received a tip last year that government agencies in foreign countries were demanding smartphone push notification data from both Google and Apple.

“Apple and Google are in a unique position to facilitate government surveillance of how users are using particular apps,” Wyden wrote Attorney General Merrick Garland on Dec. 6. Because servers at both companies process app data, they receive metadata associated with individual phones that could betray information potentially prejudicial to users.

Wyden did not identify the governments involved.

Google spokesman Matt Bryant said the company has always “required a court order” to compel disclosure of data associated with push notifications.

As for disclosure of such data when it is requested by a foreign government, Bryant said that would depend “on applicable law, which vary by region” and other considerations including international norms

More:Stocks

Recommend

Jared Goff stats: Lions QB throws career-high 5 INTs in SNF win over Texans

Jared Goff was on the verge of changing his name to "Jared Goof" against the Texans on "Sunday Night

Storyboarding 'Dune' since he was 13, Denis Villeneuve is 'still pinching' himself

After much anticipation and delay, Dune: Part Two is in theaters March 1. It's been a long time comi

How to watch the 2024 Oscars: A full rundown on nominations, host and how to tune in

If you're an awards show junkie, your Super Bowl awaits.On March 10, the annual Oscars coronation wi