Mobile Operators Urge EU Regulators to Outlaw Apple’s iCloud Privacy Tool

Mobile operators in the European Union are urging regulators to prohibit Apple’s new iCloud Private Relay, reports The Telegraph.

The feature, a new internet privacy service from Apple, allows users with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey on their devices and an iCloud+ subscription, to connect to the internet and browse Safari privately and with more security. It is designed to limit the amount of information about a user that could be used to send unwanted ads and marketing campaigns, or have their data sold to other companies.

Apple’s private relay promises to protect user privacy by encrypting data that would prevent anyone from seeing where the user is browsing.

But Vodafone, Telefonica, Orange and T-Mobile insist this data is critical. In a letter to the European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, responsible for proposing legislation and enforcing laws, the carriers allege iCloud Private Relay undermines the EU’s “digital sovereignty” and impacts the companies’ ability to manage networks.

“Private relay purports to enhance users’ privacy when connecting to and browsing the internet by encrypting and redirecting traffic … thereby cutting off other networks and servers from accessing vital network data and metadata, including those operators in charge of the connectivity,” the letter said, according to the news outlet. “The way private relay is implemented will have significant consequences in terms of undermining European digital sovereignty.”

The letter also noted that such privacy will impair others to innovate and compete in digital markets and could negatively impact operators’ ability to efficiently manage telecommunication networks.

While consumers are dependent on digital interactions, they also want to feel secure. One survey revealed that 82% of U.S adults are concerned that their online data may not be secure and that 82% also would like to have a better understanding of the personal information companies have collected.

The December/January Digital Identity Tracker, a PYMNTS and Jumio collaboration, examines why businesses must emphasize transparency and ethical data handling practices to build public support and acceptance.