Apple responds to Chinese allegations about iPhone security risk

Apple has denied that the iPhone poses a problem to Chinese national security. State television had previously called the Apple smartphone a major security concern, due to its location-tracking functionality.

The manufacturer has published a statement on its Chinese website. In it, Apple explains exactly what it does with location tracking via GPS, Wi-Fi networks and telecom masts. It also emphasizes that users can turn location tracking on and off themselves, and that Apple does not have access to the list of most recent locations. Furthermore, Apple denies ever collaborating with government agencies to build a backdoor into its software; With that, the company refers to the NSA, which, according to reports, infiltrated Huawei to build backdoors into telecom equipment, in order to eavesdrop on Chinese government leaders.

With the statement, Apple wants to respond to allegations by Chinese state television, which previously called the iPhone a national security problem, The Wall Street Journal reports. The reason for this was to keep track of the user’s location, which, according to the Chinese, can be used to steal state secrets.

Apple is likely responding to the allegations to avoid having to deal with stricter regulations. According to The Wall Street Journal, it has happened regularly in the past that companies have had to adjust their business operations due to a critical broadcast on Chinese state television. However, it is still unclear what exactly the Chinese government plans to do.