Apple will now notify us when the NSA wants our data

The NSA, the National Security Agency, has managed to “subdue” the best American technology companies to have free access to their data for investigations. Apple is ready to challenge the authorities and let us know when the NSA wants our data.

Prosecutors warn that such a move could undermine investigations to confront criminals and allow them to destroy sensitive data but, according to the Washington Post, Apple and other companies have already changed their policies.

The company spokesperson reported:

Facebook, Google and Microsoft are also in the process of updating their policies to let users know in advance when their data will be “dragged” into an investigation, giving users the option to face the disclosures in court.

Data request notices are unaffected by those approved by the Secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court which are automatically sealed by law, or subpoenas by the FBI which have nondisclosure orders.

Apple and other companies say the new policies will come with exceptions, such as where a potential victim is in imminent danger, especially if a child’s safety is vulnerable, but they argue that the exceptions will need to be decided by a judge, rather than a corporate lawyer or investigator.