Recently Apple announced their iOS latest version that operates all of their iPads and iPhones, would by default encrypt its users’ data. It entails that when your phone is locked it would be no possible way to access the information that is stored, even by Apple.
This publicity made by Apple, led Google to make a related statement that the new Android version (Android L) will have a similar encryption level. Despite Google claiming they were no going to give up their user data they use as a major part of their revenue by target advertising.
The major two companies in the mobile market will not have access to any of their uses data. Only the request of the courts will grant access to the devices data, a move that is being widely supported. This is widely due from the backlash from the NSA and the information leakage. This has led to many people thinking we operate in a society where you have don’t have anything to hide seems the only justification for the large amount of data harvesting and surveillance.
However, there is another side. Many will not object there if there is plausible reason. Which can be backed up and proven with an order from the courts, that a potential criminal that has crucial information on their devices that can cause deaths, or save lives should be a plausible reason for data to be automatically removed. Google and Apple encryption prompts reaction from law enforcement, from the level of competition over protection of users’ privacy.
Major networks have been broadcasting that the official from the Justice Department has commented that if the new structures work, like hey have said, it would potentially make certain cases impossible or harder to solve. An additional official commented that the companies have provided the similar example of home that couldn’t be searched, or a trunk of a car that couldn’t be opened.
The ex-head of the FBI’s criminal investigations division, Ronald Hosko, in particular, has voiced several concerning comments on the issue. On the lines that it is all good until your kid that is abducted and abused because technology won’t be able to find them. Their capability to act on the data that is provided is perilous to our attainment.
It has produced a lot of hysteria with people on the insistence from law enforcement that it will influence alarming consequences. Nevertheless, these commentaries from officials seem to be scare tactic as Hosko has been dropping his opinion everywhere in the cyber world where he can. Although the significant point that is being made is, that is within Google and Apple’s right to create their operating system any way they desire.
Should we as mobile customers be concerned? Should we inform this big companies that we prefer a little unencrypted OS’s? No and yes. Today where liberties are continually being sidelined for safety purposes, it is a still necessary for there to be a reasonable method to safeguard our sensitive data without being marked from using all the available services.
There is always the likely chance of seeing in the future unsolvable cases where masses of people will be affected by the change in individual safety that could make it beneficial. But what do you believe?
