I’ve wondered what google’s position is here, because they probably came under the same pressure. It would be depressing but predictable if they just did as they were told.
this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2025
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also I don’t think they offer e2e encryption for what the UK demanded.
afaik they provide e2ee for messages and mail but not photos or drive, which apple did encrypt e2e when ADP was enabled.
I’m conflicted on what would have been the best course of action.
if they would have fought this (in private) I assume people would assume they were complying. so the only option would have been to break UK law and fight it publicly. I am not sure that was feasible.
but this also just creates a precedent for other countries push apple to do the same
Of course it's feasible, that's why there are courts. And even if they lost in court they could leave the British market instead of complying. But Apple will always kiss boot no matter how much they tell their cult otherwise.
the current law does not allow them to no comply. they can go to court, but they would be required to comply in the meantime.
unfortunately the UK law says not complying is a criminal offense, not just an administrative un compliance. so apple employees would be liable to criminal charges.
this is very bad but it’s the draconian UK laws the problem here.
Back when silicon valley wasn't all about fellating boot Google left China for much less.
Kissing the boot would have been to build in a back door and provide the UK with secret access to every global Apple users data.
It’s ridiculous to expect them to exit the market and it is illegal for them to fight this in public.
This was them giving the middle finger to the UK. Saying, without saying it explicitly, that they will not give the UK unfettered access to global customer data.