Apple back in Washington focus over handling of Trump-era subpoenas

Technology companies are already facing criticism for their economic power, privacy policies and role in public discourse.

Apple, which touts its security and privacy protections to customers, last month notified Democratic Representatives Schiff and Eric Swalwell, as well as House Intelligence Committee staff, that their user information was the subject of a gag order that expired after being renewed three times.

Apple is facing renewed scrutiny in Washington over its compliance with secret Trump-era subpoenas for user data on more than 100 users including US lawmakers, highlighting the bind tech companies find themselves in when obliged to satisfy law enforcement demands.

House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff, whose data was among material Apple turned over to the US Justice Department, said that lawmakers will delve into how giant tech companies respond to subpoenas for information on their customers. Mr Schiff, a California Democrat, enraged former President Donald Trump with congressional investigations of his administration’s ties to Russia.