Apple might be planning on removing two of its key features from its iPhones in the UK soon. The company’s iMessage and FaceTime platforms could be disabled in the region due to the ongoing regulatory issue.
Apple refuses to comply with the new Online Safety Bill
The Cupertino based giant is in opposition to the new Online Safety Bill similar to WhatsApp and Signal. For those unaware, the UK government is planning on introducing the Online Safety Bill, which will regulate messaging services. In other words, the government will basically be able to monitor your messages to detect CSAM (child sexual abuse material) and other illegal content.
The Online Safety Bill also wants access to end-to-end encryption-based messages. This bill has already faced criticism from WhatsApp and Signal, who have also withdrawn their services from the country. Now, it appears that Apple will also be pulling out the iMessage and FaceTime services since it refuses to make special changes for a single country that can affect its security features. If the bill comes into effect, it will be the biggest threat to the data security and privacy of the UK citizens.
As of right now, the Online Safety Bill is currently under an 8-week consultation period. Tech companies like Apple are hoping that the government will take their feedback into account and revise the bill. So stick around for more as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this matter.
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