Apple storage of iCloud keys in China raise HR fears

Apple is set to begin hosting Chinese iCloud accounts in China, raising fears about human rights, as state authorities gain easier access to data stored in the cloud, according to Reuters. The article reports that ‘Human rights activists say they fear the authorities could use that power to track down dissidents.’ Apple issued a statement saying that this is necessary to comply with new Chinese laws requiring that cloud services for Chinese citizens be stored in China, by Chinese companies, noting ‘While we advocated against iCloud being subject to these laws, we were ultimately unsuccessful.’ Apple said that iCoud keys stored in China will not give access to data stored in other countries, but privacy lawyers say protection for Chinese customers will suffer.