Apple to Allow Chinese Security Audits of Its Products?

Apple has agreed to allow China’s State Internet Information Office to run security audits on the products it sells in China, according to a report from the Beijing News. China is concerned that other governments are using Apple's devices for surveillance.

Spotted by ITWorld, the report says that Cook agreed to the inspections during a December meeting with Information Office Director Lu Wei in the U.S.


China wanted assurances that Apple will protect the security and privacy of its users as well as maintain Chinese national security. Cook reportedly assured Lu that Apple does not give data to third parties. “We did not, and will not provide a back door,” he's quoted as saying. However, Lu maintained that the Chinese government needed to draw its own conclusions, “so that consumers must be assured.”

To that end, Apple has apparently agreed to cooperate with spot network security audits of its products by Chinese officials. Please follow iClarified on X, Facebook, or RSS for updates.

[via ITWorld] [via Blair]