US senator reveals alarming govt surveillance through Apple & Google push notifications

Unidentified governments are secretly spying on smartphone users through app push notifications, according to a warning from the U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. In a letter to the Department of Justice, Wyden disclosed that foreign officials are pressuring Google and Apple for user data. The method, although lacking in details, sheds light on another way governments can track smartphones.

Apps use push notifications to inform users about messages, news, or updates. What users might not realise is that these notifications pass through Google and Apple's servers, giving these companies unique insights into app usage.

Senator Wyden thinks this gives them the ability to support government surveillance. He urges the Department of Justice to reconsider policies hindering public discussions on this spying method.

Companies' responses

Apple acknowledges Wyden's letter as an opportunity to share more information about government monitoring of push notifications. The company states, 

Now that this method has become public, we are updating our transparency reporting to detail these kinds of requests.

Google expresses its commitment to keeping users informed about such requests. The Department of Justice declined to comment on push notification surveillance or whether it prevented Apple and Google from discussing it.

Surveillance details & concerns

Senator Wyden got a "tip" about the spying. The source confirmed that both foreign and U.S. governments asked Apple and Google for details about push notifications. The purpose is to link anonymous users of messaging apps to specific accounts. While the source does not disclose the foreign governments involved, they describe them as U.S. allies.

Privacy concerns

Many users overlook push notifications, but they have raised privacy concerns. French developer David Libeau previously highlighted how apps often unknowingly send data to Google or Apple via push notifications, calling it a "privacy nightmare."

In essence, this revelation raises concerns about governments exploiting push notifications for surveillance, prompting calls for increased transparency and public awareness.