Surrender as a service: Microsoft unlocks BitLocker for feds

The report explains that BitLocker recovery keys are often backed up to Microsoft accounts by default, enabling Microsoft to provide them to law enforcement under lawful requests, as illustrated by a fraud case; it contrasts this with Apple’s iCloud model where Advanced Data Protection can limit provider-held keys. The piece underscores the trade-off between ease of recovery and privacy, noting Microsoft’s stance on not sharing its own encryption keys while frequently retaining customers’ keys unless users choose self-custody.