China Claims Breakthrough in Cracking Apple's AirDrop, Gaining Access to Sender's Details

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Chinese state-backed institution has reportedly cracked Apple Inc.'s AirDrop feature, allowing them to identify and trace the email and phone number of the sender. The breakthrough is said to be part of broader efforts by Beijing's government to combat undesirable content and enhance control over messaging platforms.

According to an online post by the city's judicial bureau, the institute in Beijing has successfully developed a technique to bypass the encryption of an iPhone's device log, revealing the contact details of users who share content via AirDrop. While the agency stated that multiple suspects have been identified using this method, it did not disclose whether any arrests have been made.

The bureau emphasized that this technological advancement aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of solving cases while preventing the dissemination of inappropriate remarks and potential negative influences.

This revelation once again brings attention to the AirDrop feature, which activists globally have utilized to spread their messages. During the 2019 protests in Hong Kong, protesters widely used AirDrop to share pro-democracy slogans, taking advantage of its ease of use requiring only a nearby Bluetooth connection. Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment on this development.

The article hails this as a "technological breakthrough," suggesting that this method could complement existing measures to control and eradicate information that China deems unhealthy. For Apple, operating in a country with strict content constraints, this development adds uncertainty to its operations, particularly as it faces challenges in complying with China's regulatory landscape, including restrictions on content for Apple TV and Books.

It's worth noting that Apple had already limited the AirDrop feature on Chinese iPhones in 2022, following its usage by protesters during the Hong Kong demonstrations to share images. Additionally, Apple is confronting growing pressure as an increasing number of state-backed agencies ban the use of foreign devices in official settings, impacting the company's sales in the region.