Apple's call in the conflict with FBI: the company strengthens iCloud encryption to protect customers

Apple is developing a new strategy to enforce encryption of customers’ iCloud backups to avoid complying to future requests for data from authorities, according to trustworthy sources cited by the Financial Times.

The decision comes after the company announced las week it will oppose a court order to help the FBI unlock the iPhone of the San Bernardino shooter to avoid endangering the privacy of millions. The latest operating system, iOS8 introduced full encryption to ensure the privacy and security of its users.

In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Apple’s Tim Cook said that “writing a piece of software that we view as sort of the equivalent of cancer would be very dangerous.” Cook called the issue “complex” but said the creation of such software would put hundreds of millions of customers at risk and “trample” civil liberties.

Building new protections that mean Apple no longer has access to iCloud encryption keys may inconvenience some customers. Such a change would most likely mean that customers who forget their iCloud password may not be able to access their photos, contacts and other personal information backed up to Apple’s systems, FT adds.

The company explained to its customers the need for encryption in an open letter last week:

Customers expect Apple and other technology companies to do everything in our power to protect their personal information, and at Apple we are deeply committed to safeguarding their data.

Compromising the security of our personal information can ultimately put our personal safety at risk. That is why encryption has become so important to all of us.

For many years, we have used encryption to protect our customers’ personal data because we believe it’s the only way to keep their information safe. We have even put that data out of our own reach, because we believe the contents of your iPhone are none of our business.

Customers expect Apple and other technology companies to do everything in our power to protect their personal information, and at Apple we are deeply committed to safeguarding their data.

Compromising the security of our personal information can ultimately put our personal safety at risk. That is why encryption has become so important to all of us.

For many years, we have used encryption to protect our customers’ personal data because we believe it’s the only way to keep their information safe. We have even put that data out of our own reach, because we believe the contents of your iPhone are none of our business.