Here's a new feature of iOS 8 that we weren't expecting: Apple announced tonight that the new software makes it impossible for Apple to turn over the data on an iOS 8-equipped iPhone or iPad to U.S. law enforcement, even in the presence of a search warrant. Chalk one up for privacy.
With iOS 8, Apple has changed the way its encryption works. With the newest version of Apple's mobile software in place, the company says it can no longer bypass a user's passcode—meaning that even if U.S. law enforcement presents Apple with a search warrant, the company would be incapable of accessing passcode-protected data on a user's device.
It's all a nifty bit of techno-legal wrangling on Apple's part: By taking away its technical capability to respond to law enforcement requests, Apple removed its legal duty to respond to them. If you're concerned about your right to privacy, that sounds like a very good thing—as long as you make sure to disable your iCloud. [Apple via The Washington Post]
Credit Gizmodo
Apple sets the example, but it's one example their competition can't match (especially Google).
Being a hardware company, Apple enjoys high profits on their products, not on invasive or annoying advertisements. Apple is the king at delivering things to folks that they never knew they wanted or considered were possible, but once you have it -- it's hard to walk away.
Read Apple's open letter, it's downright heartwarming.
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