Apple hands over "Hide My Email" users to the FBI
A paid iCloud feature is intended to protect users' email addresses. However, data may still end up with authorities.
iCloud logo: "Hide my Email" not really hidden.
(Image: Apple)
Apple, if ordered to do so, releases data on e-mail users who utilize the iCloud+ service “Hide My Email” to authorities. This has now become known in the USA. The investigative IT blog 404 Media reports that the case involved a serious threat – specifically against the current girlfriend of the head of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). According to court documents, Alden R. sent a threatening email via the service, which he believed to be anonymous, to Alexis Wilkins, partner of Kash Patel.
Investigative authorities knock on Apple's door
Wilkins turned to law enforcement, who in turn requested the associated information from Apple. The iPhone company released his name and his real iCloud email address, which is always stored with “Hide My Email.” According to court documents, the information went even further, revealing that Alden R. had generated a total of 134 email aliases.
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However, “Hide My Email” is not marketed by Apple as an anonymization service but primarily serves to prevent spam. Nevertheless, Apple writes on its support page that the feature also serves to “keep your personal email private.” Paying users of iCloud+ (starting at 99 cents per month) can use the service. It is directly integrated into Apple's email system on iPhone, iPad, and Mac and generates random addresses that can then be used, for example, for a website. The aliases can be disabled at will, allowing users to get rid of spam more quickly. “Hide My Email” is also integrated into Apple's login system, “Sign in with Apple,” which allows users to register on numerous websites using their Apple account.
FBI wants access to the iPhone
Alden R. has already been questioned by police and reportedly admitted to sending the threatening emails to Wilkins. There is now an indictment from a Grand Jury, charging him with “Transmitting a Threat in Interstate Commerce.”
The FBI now wants even more: The federal police are demanding a court order to search R.'s devices, such as his iPhone. Furthermore, R. is to be forced to unlock the device and also disable the theft protection that locks the device. Apple has not yet commented on the case.
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