iCloud Encryption Keys In China Will Be Stored On Local Servers

Apple typically makes a big deal about protecting their customers’ privacy, but the company’s latest move in China is definitely raising some eyebrows. This is because in a report from Reuters, Apple has confirmed that they are moving iCloud data to local servers that will be stored in China.

This clearly won’t affect all users and will only affect those who live in China who have also chosen China as their main country when setting up their Apple account, and for those wondering, note that this doesn’t apply to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan. What this means is that the Chinese government will be able to obtain iCloud data more easily, which has human rights activists concerned about how it could be abused to arrest those who speak out against the current government.

This is actually not the first time that we’re seeing Apple cater to China’s rules and regulations. Previously the company had removed apps from the App Store that went against government regulations, which is understandable since Apple needs to comply with local laws, but at the same time it has drawn the attention of politicians in the US who feel that Apple might be “enabling” the Chinese government.

Once again this is understandable as China is a huge market that Apple definitely wants to tap into, plus with so many local Chinese handset makers competing in the same playing field, it makes sense that Apple wants to play ball.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, General
Tags: China, icloud, Legal, Privacy, Security