December 6, 2023 at 02:59PM
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden disclosed that governments worldwide request mobile push notifications from Apple and Google to surveil users. Wyden urged the DOJ to allow tech companies transparency regarding these demands. Both companies have voiced support for informing users about such government data requests in their transparency reports.
Meeting Takeaways:
1. Governments globally are seeking push notification records from Apple and Google, as revealed by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden.
2. Senator Wyden warned the Department of Justice about these practices, suggesting they aim to link users to specific accounts or devices.
3. Wyden discovered the data request trend in 2022 and has conducted an investigation since then.
4. Push notifications from mobile apps, which go through Google and Apple gateways, could provide governments with insights into user app usage and facilitate monitoring.
5. Wyden has urged the DOJ to allow Apple and Google to disclose more about these data requests to their customers, as current government restrictions limit public transparency.
6. Apple responded to Wyden’s letter, indicating a willingness to update their transparency reports with this request information, as soon as they are allowed.
7. Google highlighted its commitment to user information transparency and reassured that they were pioneers in disclosing government data requests in their transparency reports.
8. Apple did not comment immediately when BleepingComputer reached out.
Action Items:
– Monitor developments from Apple and Google concerning updates to their transparency reporting.
– Stay informed about any changes in policy or practices by the Department of Justice regarding these data requests.
– Keep track of Senator Wyden’s actions and public statements for further insights into the investigation and its findings.