Apple threatens to block iMessage and FaceTime in the UK over proposed legislation changes
Tom Sykes
Posted On 20/07/2023 
Apple has submitted a lengthy nine-page appeal to the UK over its proposed new Online Safety Bill, which would require developers to allow government agencies to scan encrypted messages for illegal content.
In the appeal, which strongly objects to requirements, Apple has said it is not prepared to make changes to its privacy standards for one country that would weaken security for all of its users, threatening instead to block iMessage and FaceTime for users in the UK.
Meta-owned WhatsApp has also appealed the proposed law, with messaging app Signal saying it would pull its service from the UK should the law come into effect.
The UK government has started an eight-week consultation process on the proposed legislation update, with Apple saying the proposal “constitute a serious and direct threat to data security and information privacy” that would affect people outside the UK.
