U.S. President Donald Trump compared the UK government’s demand for Apple user data to practices seen in China during an interview. He expressed his disapproval to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer while discussing trade and global issues. Meanwhile, Apple has modified its security measures in response to the UK’s demands, which raises legal concerns under the CLOUD Act.
In an interview with The Spectator, U.S. President Donald Trump equated the United Kingdom’s request for Apple to provide access to user data with the surveillance practices commonly associated with China. He mentioned that during his discussion with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he expressed his objections to such requests. This meeting at the White House marked their first encounter since Trump assumed office, covering topics including the situation in Ukraine and trade negotiations.
Trump remarked, “We actually told him … that’s incredible. That’s something, you know, that you hear about with China” when referring to the request for data access. Meanwhile, Apple recently discontinued a major security feature for UK users, which was a direct response to the government’s pressure for access to user information. The British Home Office did not provide immediate remarks concerning the existence of such an order.
In a letter dated February 25 to U.S. lawmakers, Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, noted that the U.S. government is investigating whether the UK’s demands could be in violation of the CLOUD Act, which prohibits such demands for data involving U.S. citizens. The Spectator, formerly edited by Boris Johnson and influential in Conservative circles, was acquired last year by hedge fund manager Paul Marshall.
President Trump’s comments draw a parallel between the UK’s request for Apple user data and Chinese surveillance tactics, emphasizing concerns over privacy and governmental authority. As Apple adjusts its security features in response to government requirements, the ongoing scrutiny regarding executive orders raises questions about compliance with existing laws such as the CLOUD Act. The situation highlights the delicate balance between national security and citizens’ rights to privacy.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
