Chinese authorities have reportedly found a way to monitor AirDrop users, aiming to curb the spread of content deemed inappropriate within the country. The information is tied to a Beijing-based administrative body cited by a major business publication.
According to the report, an institution in Beijing developed a technique to access encrypted iPhone logs to identify the phone numbers and emails of devices connected through AirDrop. Jurisdictional officials claimed that the new approach helped law enforcement locate individuals suspected of circulating banned material.
Officials stated that the method would improve case resolution efficiency and accuracy, reducing the distribution of content considered harmful to public welfare and social harmony.
The publication notes that AirDrop has often been used by activists around the world to share messages anonymously. In particular, the feature gained attention during periods of street protest, where it enabled rapid dissemination of slogans and information among participants.
Apple did not issue a public response to Beijing’s statements at the time of the report’s release.
Earlier in the year, Apple provided clarifications about the launch plans for its Vision Pro headset. While this update is separate from the AirDrop discussion, it reflects ongoing communications from Apple regarding its hardware and privacy policies.
This situation highlights ongoing questions about how digital tools that enable quick sharing and anonymity might be leveraged by authorities and activists alike, and how policy makers balance security concerns with personal privacy in an age of pervasive connectivity. Analysts suggest that the tension between enforcing regulations and preserving open information flow will influence both technology providers and users as regulatory landscapes evolve across different regions.