Apple boss Tim Cook warns against UK snooping laws
Proposed goverment plans that would weaken data security to allow spies a "back door" to read electronic communications could actually help not hinder criminals, the boss of Apple has warned.
Tim Cook said any attempt to weaken encryption could have "very dire consequences", harming consumers by making their data less secure.
Under proposals in Theresa May's Investigatory Powers Bill, communications firms will be legally required to help spies hack into suspects' smartphones and computers.
But in an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Mr Cook said:
The technology giant's chief executive warned: "We don't think people want us to read their messages. We don't feel we have the right to read their emails."
UK-based providers will be obliged to assist intelligence agencies when they are given warrants to carry out "equipment interference ."
The technique allows authorities to interfere with electronic devices in order to obtain data and can range from remotely accessing a computer to covertly downloading the contents of a mobile phone.
It is seen as an increasingly crucial tool as advanced encryption makes intercepting targets' communications more difficult.
There are also fears in technology circles that the proposals will hit services offering "end-to-end encryption" such as WhatsApp and Apple's iMessage, despite the Home Secretary's assurances that the legislation "will not ban encryption or do anything to undermine the security of people's data".
The proposed new laws could impose obligations on telecommunications providers requiring them to remove "electronic protection" applied to "communications or data