China says tech company successfully cracked Apple AirDrop’s encryption

Chinese authorities claim that a tech company has solved the mystery behind Apple's wireless sharing function.

File Photo: Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Tracking people who send inappropriate content

Citing a statement from Beijing authorities, CNN reported that a Chinese tech company Wangshendongjian Technology was able to crack AirDrop’s encryption. This helped the police go after people who used the feature to send “inappropriate information” to passersby.

Chinese authorities said Wangshendongjian Technology “broke through the technical difficulties of anonymous traceability through AirDrop,” which “prevented the further spread of inappropriate remarks and potential bad influence.”

The company was able to obtain the senders’ mobile phone numbers and email addresses.

This move was part of an investigation following a complaint. Authorities said several suspects were also identified.

CNN said it has reached out to Apple for comment.

In China, AirDrop has been allegedly used to send nuisance messages to several commuters on subways and buses. It was also believed to be used by protesters to spread anonymous messages, leaflets, and images critical of the Chinese government led by President Xi Jinping in 2022.

It was also used by anti-government demonstrators in Hong Kong in 2019. They sent posters to subway passengers to invite them to join the protest.

Following the protest against Xi, Apple limited AirDrop sharing, which was later implemented globally.

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Via: CNN