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When it comes to protecting data, Apple finally has your back

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 8:48PM EST
Apple Customer Data Protection

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As recently as last year, Apple consistently ranked among the worst large companies in the United States when it came to ensuring that its customers’ data and interests were being protected from law enforcement and the government. In one short year, however, Apple has shot from the bottom of the pile to the top.

According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s latest “Who Has Your Back?” report for 2014, Apple now has every base covered in terms of taking measures to protect customer data and customer privacy.

“Apple earned credit in all 6 categories in this year’s Who Has Your Back report,” The EFF said. “Apple’s rating is particularly striking because it had lagged behind industry competitors in prior years, earning just one star in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Apple shows remarkable improvement in its commitments to transparency and privacy.”

The Cupertino, California-based consumer tech giant earned top ratings in each of the EFF’s six categories, which include “Requires a warrant for content,” “Tells users about government data requests,” “Publishes transparency reports,” “Publishes law enforcement guidelines,” “Fights for users’ privacy rights in courts” and “Fights for users’ privacy rights in Congress.”

As recently as 2013, Apple received a positive rating in only one category.

This year’s worst-ranked companies include Amazon, AT&T and Snapchat.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.