The Australian government is considering a new law that would require tech companies like Apple to give police access to private encrypted data linked to suspected illegal activities.
The measure, which targets platforms the Australian government says could be used for criminal activities or to plan a terror attack, would require police to get a court warrant to access the encrypted data. Failure to comply would leave the company liable to fines of up to A$10 million (about $7.3 million), and potential jail time.
As noted by 9to5Mac, Apple already complies with court orders demanding access to encrypted data “where it has the means to do so and is satisfied that doing this is legal, but cannot do so for Messages and FaceTime.”
