Security News > 2020 > January > China and US top user data requests in Apple transparency report

Governments in the US and China are at the front of the line when it comes to knocking on Apple's door to request user data relating to fraud/phishing, according to the company's latest transparency report.

Like any tech company that handles user data, Apple gets different types of requests: those that are made when an account holder is in imminent danger, those from law enforcement agencies trying to help people find their lost or stolen devices, those asking for Apple's help when thieves rip off credit card data so they can buy Apple products or services on somebody else's dime, and in situations where investigators think an account's been used to do something illegal.

As far as worldwide government account requests go for the first half of 2019, Apple says that it got a high number from China's mainland - a total of 15,666 requests - mostly due to financial fraud and phishing investigations.

As far as device-based requests - those relating to customers trying to get their devices back after they get lost or stolen, as well as multi-device requests related to fraud investigations - Australia's off the charts.

Apple noted that, starting with its transparency report for the second half of 2020 - the period between 1 July to 31 December 2020 - it will also include appeals pursuant to government requests to remove apps from its App Store when they allegedly violate legal and/or policy provisions.

News URL

https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2020/01/21/china-and-us-top-user-data-requests-in-apple-transparency-report/