Australia wants Apple to create a backdoor in the iPhone that would allow the government to access data stored on a device, as this will now be more difficult due to a new proposed law that mandates the adoption of stronger encryption.
Attorney-General George Brandis will meet with Apple officials this week to discuss how the company can comply with the new regulations and help law enforcement by providing access to their devices when requested, with installing a backdoor on the iPhone one of the first things on the agenda.
Brandis told SkyNews that the government hopes to see what he described as “voluntary cooperation” from technology companies, but is also preparing a backup plan in case any company refuses to cooperate.
"We are also preparing the appropriate legislation to force companies, if ... we do not get the cooperation we want. We will follow both of these paths," Brandis continued.
Although Apple has yet to comment on such a request to date, the company is very likely to refuse to install backdoors in its products, especially considering that it has previously refused to cooperate and violated the privacy of its users.
The most famous case occurred in the United States, where the FBI asked the company to unlock the iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists. Apple refused to comply, despite pressure from the government, which cited national security concerns, and insisted on preserving the privacy of its users.
More information about the discussions between Apple and the Australian government will emerge later this week, and it will be interesting to see how Cupertino handles yet another official request to create a backdoor in its products.
