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Why the eyeWitness to Atrocities app is not available on iOS

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The eyeWitness to Atrocities app is available on Androidonly. Our specialist camera app enables human rights defenders to capture potential photo and video evidence of international atrocity crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and torture. To be functional, our app must:

  • Reliably capture the date, time, and location footage was captured so that investigators and courts know exactly when and where the footage was taken.
  • Meet the unique security requirements of human rights defenders in high-risk locations.

    • Unfortunately, it is currently impossible for eyeWitness to meet these two requirements on the iOS platform for a number of reasons:

    1. Unreliable location metadata

      2. The eyeWitness to Atrocities app pulls location data from nearby Wi-Fi and cell tower connections to, firstly, corroborate GPS coordinates and, secondly, to ensure that all footage has location data even when a GPS signal is unavailable.

      However, Apple blocks apps from pulling location data from Wi-Fi and cell towers, which would prevent the app from reliably collecting and triangulating location data.

    2. Limited availability

      3. Encryption is an integral part of the eyeWitness to Atrocities app’s security.

      However, Apple’s encryption program, as an American product, is subject to US export controls, restricting its use in locations on sanctions lists. This would mean that an iOS version of our app would not be available in a number of countries where it is most needed.

    3. Fewer security features

      4. eyeWitness would not be able to provide some its vital security features, including the ability to change and disguise the app icon.

    If you are an iOS user, we may still be able to help you. Please get in touch with the eyeWitness team to find out more. Connect with us