Apple reveals details about government data collection

Apple has revealed the UK and US authorities lead the way when it comes to requesting data from the firm.

The vendor's Report on Government Information Requests provides detailed information about the number of requests each government has made to Apple to date.

Figures show the US authorities have made up to 2,000 requests for account information. However, Apple has not been able to specify the exact number of requests or how many it has complied with due to restrictions placed on it by the government.

The UK government is the second most active requester, asking for information relating to 127 user accounts. Apple provided information in 37 per cent of the cases.

Cupertino goes on to claim only a "small fraction" of requests relate to account information and the majority made by law enforcement agencies are done to help solve crimes.

"The most common account requests involve robberies and other crimes or requests from law enforcement officers searching for missing persons or children, finding a kidnapping victim, or hoping to prevent a suicide," Apple noted.

"Responding to an account request usually involves providing information about an account holder's iTunes or iCloud account, such as a name and an address. In very rare cases, we are asked to provide stored photos or email. We consider these requests very carefully and only provide account content in extremely limited circumstances."

The US has made 3,542 device requests in total followed by Germany (2,156), Singapore (1,498), Australia (1,178) and the UK (1,028).

The iPhone maker also reiterated that it only complies with government agencies when they present a court order.

"When we receive such a demand, our legal team carefully reviews the order. If there is any question about the legitimacy or scope of the court order, we challenge it," the report continued.

"Only when we are satisfied that the court order is valid and appropriate do we deliver the narrowest possible set of information responsive to the request."