iLoungeiLounge
  • News
    • Apple
      • AirPods Pro
      • AirPlay
      • Apps
        • Apple Music
      • iCloud
      • iTunes
      • HealthKit
      • HomeKit
      • HomePod
      • iOS 13
      • Apple Pay
      • Apple TV
      • Siri
    • Rumors
    • Humor
    • Technology
      • CES
    • Daily Deals
    • Articles
    • Web Stories
  • iPhone
    • iPhone Accessories
  • iPad
  • iPod
    • iPod Accessories
  • Apple Watch
    • Apple Watch Accessories
  • Mac
    • MacBook Air
    • MacBook Pro
  • Reviews
    • App Reviews
  • How-to
    • Ask iLounge
Font ResizerAa
iLoungeiLounge
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • News
    • Apple
    • Rumors
    • Humor
    • Technology
    • Daily Deals
    • Articles
    • Web Stories
  • iPhone
    • iPhone Accessories
  • iPad
  • iPod
    • iPod Accessories
  • Apple Watch
    • Apple Watch Accessories
  • Mac
    • MacBook Air
    • MacBook Pro
  • Reviews
    • App Reviews
  • How-to
    • Ask iLounge
Follow US

News › Apple

Apple

Apple logs iMessage contact info, could be compelled to offer info to police

Last updated: May 16, 2021 2:12 pm UTC
By Jesse Hollington
Apple logs iMessage contact info, could be compelled to offer info to police

A new report from The Intercept reveals a caveat to Apple’s privacy policies surrounding text and iMessage communications. According to the report, while Apple’s end-to-end iMessage encryption precludes the company from being able to disclose the content of messages between iOS device users, the company does maintain a server-based log of phone numbers that users have attempted to communicate with via the Messages app. Numbers are added to these logs whenever an iMessage user enters a new phone number into the Messages app and Apple’s servers need to determine whether the message should be delivered to the recipient via its own iMessage service or using the carrier’s SMS text messaging services.
The report goes on to note that Apple can be compelled by court order to share this information with law enforcement agencies, as revealed by documents received from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Electronic Surveillance Support Team, which included a confidential document titled iMessage FAQ for Law Enforcement that provides guidance on how iMessage works and an example of what an agency would receive as a result of filing a court order for data from an iMessage account.

Advertisements

Apple logs iMessage contact info, could be compelled to offer info to police

The data sample reveals source phone numbers, data and time information, IP addresses where requests originated, and the numbers being looked up. Apple also adds a disclaimer stating that “These logs do not indicate that any communication took place,” as only queries for iMessage capabilities are being logged in this case. The Intercept was unable to gain additional information as to how often such iMessage queries may be made and logged beyond the initial contact attempt; for example it’s unclear whether opening or continuing an existing iMessage conversation will log information to Apple’s servers, or if this only occurs when a new number is entered into the Messages app.

Advertisements

An Apple spokesperson confirmed that the logging information in the FAQ is “generally accurate” but declined to elaborate further, with Apple providing the following statement:

When law enforcement presents us with a valid subpoena or court order, we provide the requested information if it is in our possession. Because iMessage is encrypted end-to-end, we do not have access to the contents of those communications. In some cases, we are able to provide data from server logs that are generated from customers accessing certain apps on their devices.

Advertisements

Latest News
The 13-inch M4 MacBook Air 256GB is $150 Off
The 13-inch M4 MacBook Air 256GB is $150 Off
1 Min Read
New Dynamic Island to Have ‘Significant’ Upgrades
New Dynamic Island to Have ‘Significant’ Upgrades
1 Min Read
Samsung Might Not Include a ‘Plus’ Phone Model Next Year
Samsung Might Not Include a ‘Plus’ Phone Model Next Year
1 Min Read
The 128GB iPad Mini 7 Wi-Fi is $120 Off
The 128GB iPad Mini 7 Wi-Fi is $120 Off
1 Min Read
New Apple TV+ ‘Chief of War’ Trailer Released
New Apple TV+ ‘Chief of War’ Trailer Released
1 Min Read
New ‘Improved’ Vision Pro to Launch This Year
New ‘Improved’ Vision Pro to Launch This Year
1 Min Read
‘The Morning Show’ Season 4 Premieres on September
‘The Morning Show’ Season 4 Premieres on September
1 Min Read
The AirPods Pro 2 is $100 Off
The AirPods Pro 2 is $100 Off
1 Min Read
OLED MacBook Pro to be Delayed
OLED MacBook Pro to be Delayed
1 Min Read
‘Trash Can’ Mac Pro Moves to the Apple Vintage List
‘Trash Can’ Mac Pro Moves to the Apple Vintage List
1 Min Read
Next Apple Studio Display Slated for 2026
Next Apple Studio Display Slated for 2026
1 Min Read
The 11-inch M3 iPad Air WiFi 128GB is $120 Off
The 11-inch M3 iPad Air WiFi 128GB is $120 Off
1 Min Read

iLounge logo

iLounge is an independent resource for all things iPod, iPhone, iPad, and beyond. iPod, iPhone, iPad, iTunes, Apple TV, and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc.

This website is not affiliated with Apple Inc.
iLounge © 2001 - 2025. All Rights Reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • Submit News
  • About Us
  • Forums
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?