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Amazon DISABLES Encryption In FireOS
Want another reason not to buy an Amazon tablet or phone?
Richard Goodwin
14:11, 4 Mar 2016
Here’s a good one: you can no longer encrypt your device inside the latest build of FireOS.
Facebook, Google and, most notably, Apple have all been very vocal about the importance of encryption. Apple took things one step further and is now actively at war with the FBI in order to secure its iPhone and iPads.
Amazon, on the other hand, has more or less bent over and completely removed the ability to encrypt its software in the latest build of FireOS. Speaking to The Verge, an Amazon spokesperson said the company had been planning to remove the feature since autumn 2015, predating the current encryption debate, and that it relates to streamlining the OS rather than weakening security.
Guess it’s just a case of bad timing then?
Our advice? If you currently use any of Amazon’s products and you value your security, as well as your right to encrypt your data, then DO NOT update your software to the latest build. If you already have perhaps it is time to consider an exit from Amazon’s ecosystem.