Apple Outlines Training Procedure for New AI Models: Four Essential Points

**Apple’s Latest Foundation Models: Insights from the Tech Report 2025**

At WWDC25, Apple introduced updated iterations of its on-device and cloud foundation models, accompanied by a thorough tech report that outlines the training, optimization, and assessment of these models. The document, titled “

British Government Anticipated to Ditch Hidden iCloud Backdoor After U.S. Influence

**The Concealed Request for an iCloud Backdoor: An In-Depth Examination**

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the British government had secretly asked Apple to implement a backdoor into the encrypted data of all iCloud users worldwide. This request was intended to gain access to personal information shielded by Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP), which had greatly bolstered end-to-end encryption for iCloud data, to the extent that even Apple itself could not access it.

**Exploring the Backdoor Request**

The British government’s appeal raised major concerns due to its technical infeasibility and consequences for user privacy. Primarily, much of the data in question is protected by end-to-end encryption (E2EE), meaning Apple does not hold the decryption keys and therefore cannot access the data. Additionally, for any data that Apple might be able to provide, existing legal structures permit law enforcement agencies to obtain information via court orders, balancing privacy rights with the demands of justice. Judges assess these requests on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that privacy is honored unless there is a compelling justification to bypass it.

Furthermore, the government’s attempt to maintain confidentiality regarding its demand was apparent in its use of legislation that forbade Apple from revealing the request and required that court processes related to the issue be conducted in secrecy.

**Apple’s Tactical Reaction**

In light of the British government’s demand, Apple adopted a tactical stance. Although it could not publicly reveal the specifics of the government’s request, it declared that it would cease offering ADP to new users in the UK. Existing users would eventually be required to turn off this security feature. Apple’s announcement highlighted its dedication to user privacy, asserting that it has never created a backdoor or master key for its products and services.

This action clearly indicated that Apple was not prepared to compromise on user security, even under governmental pressure.

**The British Government’s Withdrawal**

Initially, the British government held a steadfast position regarding its demand. However, reports suggested that the US government had found a way to apply pressure, threatening UK-US technology agreements to persuade the UK to reassess its stance. Officials mentioned that the situation had become a point of annoyance for senior leaders in the UK’s technology department, implying that the Home Office would likely have to relent due to this pressure.

As negotiations progressed, both Apple and the relevant governments chose not to comment on the developing situation, leaving the outlook for user privacy and data protection in the UK ambiguous.

**Final Thoughts**

The request for a backdoor into iCloud data underscores the persistent conflict between governmental desires for surveillance and the critical need to safeguard individual privacy. As technology continues to advance, the equilibrium between security and privacy remains a vital concern, carrying significant ramifications for users and companies alike.

More than 10,000 Companies Exposed to Security Flaw in Microsoft SharePoint

**Critical Security Weakness in Microsoft SharePoint Endangers Thousands of Organizations**

A noteworthy security issue has been detected in Microsoft’s SharePoint platform, which is extensively utilized for storing and distributing sensitive documents. This weakness has exposed more than 10,000 organizations worldwide to cyber threats, particularly from hackers and ransomware attackers. Most of these organizations are situated in the United States, with additional entities in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Canada also experiencing impact.

Microsoft has confirmed that there are “ongoing attacks targeting on-premises servers,” affecting US federal and state agencies among others. Security analysts have labeled the flaw as a “dream” scenario for hackers, raising concerns about the likelihood of widespread exploitation.

Silas Cutler, a researcher from the cybersecurity company Censys, underscored the gravity of the situation, pointing out that many attackers may take advantage of this vulnerability over the weekend. Cybersecurity companies, such as Palo Alto Networks and Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, have deemed the risks tied to this flaw as “serious” and “substantial.”

In light of the threat, Microsoft has issued a security patch for SharePoint Subscription Edition and is developing corresponding updates for SharePoint 2016 and 2019. However, Eye Security, the organization that initially discovered the flaw, has voiced worries that these patches may not suffice. They cautioned that the vulnerability permits hackers to infiltrate SharePoint servers and potentially harvest keys that allow them to impersonate users or services, even after the servers have been patched. This could enable attackers to retain access via backdoors or modified components that endure through updates and reboots.

Microsoft has offered advice for impacted organizations, recommending measures to alleviate the risks. Considering the ambiguity surrounding the vulnerability, experts suggest that institutions with sensitive documents stored in SharePoint may wish to contemplate temporarily removing them until the situation is fully addressed.

As the cybersecurity environment continues to change, organizations need to stay alert and proactive in protecting their data from emerging threats. The identification of this vulnerability acts as an essential reminder of the significance of strong security protocols and timely updates in safeguarding sensitive information.

Apple Sports App Augments Soccer Reporting and Launches Service in Additional Nation

### Apple Sports App Broadens Soccer Coverage and Debuts in Mexico

The Apple Sports application has recently received a major update, improving its capabilities for soccer enthusiasts. With the rollout of version 3.1, users can now monitor real-time scores for the FA Community Shield soccer tournament straight from the app. This enhancement signifies a significant move in Apple’s dedication to delivering extensive sports coverage.

Alongside the new tournament inclusion, the app has officially debuted in Mexico, enabling Liga MX fans to utilize its features for the first time. This encompasses tracking local team performances and following matches in the MLS Leagues Cup, further extending the app’s allure to soccer fans in the area.

A notable advancement in the recent update is the boost in the volume of information available in box scores. Apple intends to deliver more comprehensive insights into matches, progressing beyond basic scorekeeping to provide a more enriching user experience. This is in line with the company’s consistent efforts to enhance the app since its initial rollout in early 2024.

Earlier this year, the app underwent a revamp of its home screen design and introduced support for tennis matches, highlighting Apple’s commitment to continuously refining the user interface and broadening the variety of sports included.

The Apple Sports app can be downloaded for free from the App Store, although it is not yet available worldwide. With the latest update, the app now covers four regions: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, embodying Apple’s strategy to incrementally expand its global footprint in the sports app arena.

For those looking to download the app, it can be accessed