Apple Makes iCloud Safari Bookmarks End-To-End Encrypted [Updated]

Apple has toggled end-to-end encryption for Safari bookmarks in iCloud, further expanding the type of user data that the company fully encrypts, offering the highest level of privacy and data protection.

apple privacy
Spotted on Reddit, an update to Apple's "iCloud security overview" page has indicated that alongside Safari tabs and history, Safari bookmarks are now end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one, not even Apple, can access users' saved Safari bookmarks. Based on the timing of the update, Apple likely did this change around the release of iOS and iPadOS 15. Apple didn't respond to a request for comment.

With Safari bookmarks now an added data point that's end-to-end encrypted, what remains not end-to-end encrypted is worth noting. ‌iCloud‌ backups, for example, are only protected using 128-bit AES encryption, alongside Photos, Reminders, Notes, and more. In recent months, Apple has come under pressure to make iCloud Photos and ‌iCloud‌ backups fully end-to-end encrypted, but the company has yet to make those changes.

Update Following our report from yesterday, Apple has updated its support page to indicate that Safari bookmarks are not actually end-to-end encrypted, and instead just protected using a standard "minimum of 128-bit AES encryption." While bookmarks remain not end-to-end encrypted, Safari Tab Groups now are.

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Top Rated Comments

DinkThifferent Avatar
47 months ago
*Looks over newspaper from comfortable chair*

They hadn't done that already?
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TFK. Avatar
47 months ago
We need a higher option iCloud storage.. A 200GB to a 2TB is a big jump in cost.. We need a middle ground @Apple
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sammy in SoCal Avatar
47 months ago
“In recent months, Apple has come under pressure to make iCloud Photos and iCloud backups fully end-to-end encrypted, but the company has yet to make those changes.”

RIGHT. Because they’re still in a holding pattern to completely invade the privacy of those things. What’s it called again? CSCAM?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cybbe Avatar
47 months ago
Fine. Now please find a way of encrypting iMessage in the cloud. That's where there are serious privacy implications as Apple, and by extension any government authority, has full access.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
antiprotest Avatar
47 months ago

Yes, if you use iCloud Photos.

Which one do you prefer:

a) In-device hash check (it’s NOT image recognition) and fully encrypted iCloud

or

b) No in-device hash check but having the check done in iCloud instead which means that you can’t have fully encrypted iCloud.

?
c) Truly end to end encrypted so Apple can't see them. But I guess that's never going to happen.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Danoc Avatar
47 months ago
I can now bookmark infowars.com in peace. ?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)