Google has announced that its next mobile operating system, Android L, will encrypt users data by default. <\/p>\n
The measure will make it more difficult for private information to be hacked or handed to law enforcement agencies. <\/p>\n
On Thursday, Apple said that devices running its new iOS8 software would be encrypted by default, with even the company itself unable to gain access. <\/p>\n
Both firms have offered encryption for some time, but many users were unaware of its existence or had not enabled it. <\/p>\n
Earlier this week, Apples boss Tim Cook posted an online message assuring users the companys philosophy was that a great customer experience shouldnt come at the expense of your privacy. <\/p>\n
As well as announcing default encryption for all devices running the new iOS8 software, Mr Cook took a thinly veiled swipe at Google, saying that Apple would not use its customers information to sell things to them. <\/p>\n
We dont monetise the information you store on your iPhone or in iCloud, he wrote, and we dont read your email or your messages to get information to market to you. <\/p>\n
He added that although Apple does have an advertising business, called iAd, the function can be disabled by users. <\/p>\n
Shortly after, Google announced its stance on privacy, also embracing default encryption. A spokesman said: For over three years, Android has offered encryption, and keys are not stored off of the device, so they cannot be shared with law enforcement. <\/p>\n
As part of our next Android release, encryption will be enabled by default out of the box, so you wont even have to think about turning it on. <\/p>\n
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