Deeper look at Apple's recent server outage reveals potential Mac privacy concerns

[LiberalArkie]

As Apple launched its new macOS operating system to the public yesterday, serious server outages occurred that saw widespread Big Sur download/install failures, iMessage and Apple Pay go down but more than that, even performance issues for users running macOS Catalina and earlier. We learned why that happened at a high-level yesterday, now a security researcher has shared a deep-dive along with his privacy and security concerns for Macs, especially Apple Silicon ones.

Not long after macOS Big Sur officially launched for all users, we started seeing reports of extremely slow download times, download failures, and in the cases that the download did go through, an error at the end that prevented installation.

At the same time, we saw Apple’s Developer website go down, followed by outages for iMessage, Apple Maps, Apple Pay, Apple Card, and some Developer services. Then the reports flooded in about third-party apps on Macs running Catalina and earlier not launching or hanging and other sluggish performance.

Developer Jeff Johnson was one of the first to point out what was going on: an issue with Macs connecting to an Apple server: OCSP. Then developer Panic elaborated that it had to do with Apple’s Gatekeeper feature checking for app validity.

Snip

https://9to5mac.com/2020/11/13/apple-server-outage-reveals-mac-privacy-concerns/


All of this is part of Apple's compliance with Patriot Acts 1, 2, and 3

Barack Obama on mass surveillance

As a senator, Obama condemned the Patriot Act for violating the rights of American citizens. He argued that it allowed government agents to perform extensive and in-depth searches on American citizens without a search warrant. He also argued that it was possible to secure the United States against terrorist attacks while preserving individual liberty.[1] In 2011, Obama signed a four-year renewal of the Patriot Act, specifically provisions allowing roaming wiretaps and government searches of business records. Obama argued that the renewal was needed to protect the United States from terrorist attacks. However, the renewal was criticized by several members of Congress who argued that the provisions did not do enough to curtail excessive searches.[2] Obama also received criticism for his reversal on privacy protection.[3]

[a kennedy]

1. Well that just great, am in the process of downloading Big Sur right now, AND IT JUST STOPPED

downloading......am trying it again. Problems already.

[LiberalArkie]

2. Check out the article and see if you want Big Sur.. I am holding off

[a kennedy]

3. To late, downloading it already.........I just automatically download when there's an update.....

Damn it.

[LiberalArkie]

4. Just don't apply it..

[a kennedy]

5. I know this is gonna sound REALLY stupid.......how do I NOT apply it???

[LiberalArkie]

6. Let it sit there on the screen after it finishes the download and then click the red dot.

It will be stored in the applications folder so you can install it if you wish

[a kennedy]

7. Thanks, I'll do that.

[abqtommy]

8. Thanks for this. Such an education I'm getting here on DU!

[Hermit-The-Prog]

9. The Patriot Act is unconstitutional and yet it persists.