Google said Thursday it would beef up encryption of its mobile operating system, so that it would not hold "keys" to devices even if it is served with a warrant. The announcement comes after Apple unveiled a similar plan for its iPhones and iPads, and amid heightened concerns about privacy of personal technology.
A Google spokesman said encryption is already offered for the Android system used on smartphones and tablets, but that this will be turned on automatically in the upcoming version of Android. "For over three years Android has offered encryption, and keys are not stored off of the device, so they cannot be shared with law enforcement," the spokesman said in a statement.
"Your personal data such as photos, messages (including attachments), email, contacts, call history, iTunes content, notes, and reminders, is placed under the protection of your passcode," says the new policy on Apple's website.
The updates come in the wake of revelations of massive government surveillance programs that sweep up data from computers and other devices. Leaked documents from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden have highlighted concerns about the role of major tech firms in these programs.
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