Apple categorically denied on Tuesday that it has ever worked with the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) to build a backdoor into the iPhone or any other Apple product. The company issued a statement in response to reports that the NSA had developed a way to access data, the camera, and apps on any iPhone under a program called DROPOUTJEEP.
Security researcher Jacob Applebaum revealed the program at the 30th Chaos Communication Congress, citing papers he claimed were NSA documents. According to him, those documents claims a perfect record of being able to remotely install software onto an iPhone that allows the agency full access to the device.
He also explicitly accused Apple of either participating in the program or, and I quote, "writing shitty software." He did not provide any evidence of Apple cooperation, but Apple was still quick to issue a statement denying in participation or even awareness of the NSA's supposed efforts and abilities.
That statement:
Apple has never worked with the NSA to create a backdoor in any of our products, including iPhone. Additionally, we have been unaware of this alleged NSA program targeting our products. We care deeply about our customers' privacy and security. Our team is continuously working to make our products even more secure, and we make it easy for customers to keep their software up to date with the latest advancements.
Publicly, Apple has steadfastly denied working with the NSA on any of its surveillance programs, though it does honor law enforcement warrants for information on a case by case basis. Tuesday's denial is in keeping with previous denials.