Apple Defends Hong Kong Data Handling Amid New Security Law Concerns
Apple explains that Hong Kong user data remains stored in the U.S. and requires Justice Department approval before any handovers. The company plans to detail its response to the new national security law in an upcoming transparency report.
Apple clarifies its approach to user data following the imposition of a new national security law in Hong Kong. While other tech giants immediately halt direct data processing for Hong Kong authorities, Apple explains that it simply cannot comply with direct requests because it stores local iCloud data in the United States.
Under a long-standing mutual legal assistance treaty, any request from Hong Kong for user content first requires review by the U.S. Justice Department and a warrant from a federal judge. Apple states it only processes a limited number of non-content requests from Hong Kong, such as those related to fraud or stolen devices, and plans to publish specific figures in a future transparency report.
The company's existing transparency data reveals massive demand from U.S. authorities, with over 5,000 requests affecting 80,000 devices in just six months. Apple also reports receiving between zero and 499 national security orders affecting roughly 15,500 accounts, highlighting the sheer volume of law enforcement requests the tech giant navigates globally.