U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the UK government’s demand for Apple user data, likening it to Chinese data monitoring practices. He expressed his concerns directly to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This request follows Apple suspending advanced security features for UK users amidst increased government scrutiny regarding data access, raising legal questions under the CLOUD Act.
On February 28, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong opposition to the UK government’s request for Apple user data, equating it with the practices of China concerning data monitoring. In an interview with The Spectator, he revealed that he communicated his concerns directly to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asserting that such demands were unacceptable, saying, “that’s incredible. That’s something, you know, that you hear about with China.”
This dialogue occurred following a White House meeting where Trump and Starmer addressed various issues, including Ukraine and the prospects for a bilateral trade agreement. Trump’s remarks highlight the contention surrounding government access to private data, particularly in light of Apple’s recent decision to suspend advanced security features for UK cloud users.
Apple’s move came in response to escalating government demands for access to user data, although the UK government has not officially confirmed whether an order was issued. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding potential violations of the CLOUD Act, which restricts data demands involving U.S. citizens. A letter from Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, indicated that this matter is currently under investigation.
President Trump’s comparison of the UK government’s data request to Chinese practices underscores the growing tension between privacy rights and governmental authority. The implications of such requests raise significant questions regarding individual privacy and international data laws. As the investigation progresses, the outcomes may influence future negotiations and data privacy standards across nations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
