This move by Apple aligns with Google's policy, which also requires a subpoena or court order to hand over user metadata. Google, which was the first to publish a transparency report detailing government requests for user information, received over 192,000 such requests in the last six months of 2022, and disclosed information in 79% of cases. Apple also provides a transparency report, with Germany making the most requests for user information in the first half of 2022.
Key takeaways:
- Apple has updated its Legal Process Guidelines to require a judge's consent before handing over push notification data to law enforcement or government officials.
- Senator Ron Wyden has accused foreign governments of spying on Americans through push notification data and commends Apple for requiring a court order to hand over such data.
- Apple's update matches Google's policy, which also requires a subpoena or court order to hand over metadata about users.
- In the last six months of 2022, Google received over 192,000 requests from government officials around the world to disclose user information and complied with 79% of them. Apple also provides a transparency report, with Germany requesting the most user information in the first half of 2022.