Apple may withdraw FaceTime and iMessage from the UK rather than compromise their security features, if new government proposals are enacted. These proposals involve updating the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, potentially obliging tech companies to seek home office approval for new security features before they can be released to customers.
Apple has consistently opposed this Act since its inception in 2015 and is now actively resisting it. The company has submitted a nine-page document detailing its objections during government consultations on the proposed amendments. Apple's primary argument is that it's unreasonable to demand clearance from the UK before launching a global security feature and unfair to dilute security for one country but not others.
Running different versions of services in various countries isn't something Apple favours. If these changes are implemented by the government, Apple may choose to withdraw its services entirely.
For this outcome to become probable, two events must occur: significant backlash against these rules and removal of existing review processes regarding encryption disablement. Under current regulations, while addressing national security or child protection issues, a company can be asked by the government to disable encryption; however, appeals can delay action until resolution.
The proposed update aims at eliminating such delays - once notified; tech firms would have no choice but immediately disable their security measures.
While Apple asserts that it won't hesitate in pulling out if such modifications take place, users needn't worry just yet as neither FaceTime nor iMessage will disappear overnight. As more stringent regulations get imposed on tech firms by the UK Government, resistance grows with companies like Apple insisting they cannot compromise on essential elements like customer data security.
Are FaceTime and iMessage going to be pulled from the UK?