Apple could remove FaceTime and iMessage from the UK if the government approves proposed amendments to the Investigative Powers Act 2016, according to information released by the BBC. This may force Apple to disable E2E (pass-through) features in iMessage and FaceTime.

The change will also affect other messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal, which also use “end-to-end” security layers to protect privacy. A Apple did not approve of the decision of the UK government and commented that “will not make changes to security features specifically for one country, which will weaken the product for all users“. The Signal company, responsible for the messenger of the same name, also opposed the revision of the Law on the powers of inquiry.

Can FaceTime and iMessage leave the UK?

The UK proposal makes it difficult to implement changes to the security features of the company’s products globally, Apple said. It’s because, changes must first be approved by the UK. This creates two difficult situations: a delay in global releases and the possibility that the appeal will not be approved only in the UK. If the second option happens, the company will be forced to launch another version for one region or leave the country’s market.

As you can see, none of the options is attractive and did not please Apple. The news also applies to Meta services, but so far Mark Zuckerberg’s company has not commented on this issue. Big Tech in Cupertino underlined its desire not make changes for one country that would weaken the product for all users. That is, if the changes are passed by Congress, the days of FaceTime and iMessage in the UK may be numbered. “Offers represent a serious and direct threat to data security and information confidentiality.“, – commented an Apple representative.

The government has now begun eight weeks of consultations on proposed amendments to the Investigative Powers Act. According to the negative impact of the proposed measures, international media note that the amendments should not be approved. In any case, if this is the case, it could be bad for Apple users in the UK.

Twitter is developing a job search tool and should conflict with LinkedIn
A Twitter Hiring feature has been discovered on the platform that will allow companies to post job openings.

Source: BBC

…..