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Legal Process Guidelines-Government and Law Enforcement Within the United States

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Legal Process Guidelines
Government & Law Enforcement within the United States
These guidelines are provided for use by government and law enforcement agencies within the United
States when seeking information from Apple Inc. (“Apple”) about customers of Apple’s devices,
products and services. Apple will update these Guidelines as necessary.
All other requests for information regarding Apple customers, including customer questions about
information disclosure, should be directed to https://www.apple.com/privacy/contact/. These
Guidelines do not apply to requests made by government and law enforcement agencies outside the
United States to Apple’s relevant local entities.
For government and law enforcement information requests, Apple complies with the laws pertaining to
global entities that control our data and we provide details as legally required. For all requests from
government and law enforcement agencies within the United States for content, with the exception of
emergency circumstances (de ned in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act 1986, as amended),
Apple will only provide content in response to a search warrant issued upon a showing of probable
cause, or customer consent.
All requests from government and law enforcement agencies outside of the United States for content,
with the exception of emergency circumstances (de ned below in Emergency Requests), must comply
with applicable laws, including the United States Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). A
request under a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty or the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act
(“CLOUD Act”) is in compliance with ECPA. Apple will provide customer content, as it exists in the
customer’s account, only in response to such legally valid process.
For private party requests, Apple complies with the laws pertaining to customer data and provides
data as legally required.
Apple has a centralized process for receiving, tracking, processing, and responding to legitimate legal
requests from government, law enforcement, and private parties from when they are received until
when a response is provided. A trained team in our legal department reviews and evaluates all
requests received, and requests which Apple determines to have no valid legal basis or considers to
be unclear, inappropriate or over-broad are objected, challenged or rejected.

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Apple provides responses to the requesting law enforcement agency at the of cial law enforcement
email address of the requesting of cer. All evidence preservation pursuant to the responses provided
by Apple is the responsibility of the requesting law enforcement agency.

INDEX
I. General Information
II. Service of Legal Process
A. Government, Law Enforcement, and Private Party Subpoenas, Search Warrants, and Court
Orders
B. Managing and Responding to Government, Law Enforcement, and Private Party Subpoenas,
Search Warrants, and Court Orders
C. Witness Testimony Subpoenas
D. Preservation Requests
E. Emergency Requests
F. Account Restriction/Deletion Requests
G. Customer Notice

III. Information Available from Apple
A. Device Registration
B. Customer Service Records
C. Apple Media Services
D. Apple Store Transactions
E. Apple.com Orders
F. Gift Cards
G. Apple Cash
H. Apple Pay
I. Apple Pay Later
J. Apple Card
K. Savings
L. iCloud
M. Find My
N. AirTag and Find My Network Accessory Program
O. Extracting Data from Passcode Locked iOS Devices
P. IP Address Request
Q. Other Available Device Information
R. Requests for Apple Store CCTV Data
S. Game Center
T. iOS Device Activation
U. Connection Logs
V. My Apple ID and iForgot Logs
W. FaceTime
X. iMessage
Y. Apple TV app
Z. Sign in with Apple
AA. Apple Push Noti cation Service (APNs)

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IV. Frequently Asked Questions

I. General Information
Apple designs, manufactures, and markets mobile communication and media devices, personal
computers, portable digital music players, and sells a variety of related software, services, peripherals,
networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications. Apple’s products and services
include Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, Apple TV+, Apple Watch, HomePod, AirPods, AirTag,
a portfolio of consumer and professional software applications, the iOS and macOS X operating
systems, iCloud, and a variety of accessory, service and support offerings. Apple also sells and
delivers digital content and applications through Apple Music, App Store, Apple Books, and Mac App
Store. Customer information is held by Apple in accordance with Apple’s privacy policy and the
applicable terms of service for the particular service offering. Apple is committed to maintaining the
privacy of the customers of Apple products and services (“Apple customers”). Accordingly, other than
in emergency situations as provided by law, information about Apple customers will not be released
without valid legal process.
The information contained within these Guidelines is devised to provide information to government
and law enforcement agencies within the United States regarding the legal process that Apple
requires in order to disclose electronic information to government and law enforcement agencies
within the United States. These Guidelines are not intended to provide legal advice. The frequently
asked questions (“FAQ”) section of these Guidelines is intended to provide answers to some of the
more common questions that Apple receives. Neither these Guidelines nor the FAQ will cover every
conceivable circumstance that may arise.
If you have further questions, please contact lawenforcement@apple.com.
The above mailbox is intended solely for use by law enforcement and government personnel. If you
choose to send an email to this address, it must be from a valid and of cial government or law
enforcement email address.
Subpoenas, search warrants, and court orders that law enforcement submits to Apple should seek
information regarding a particular Apple device or customer and the speci c service(s) that Apple may
provide to that customer. Apple can provide Apple device or customer information in so far as Apple
still possesses the requested information pursuant to its data retention policies. Apple retains data as
outlined in certain “Information Available” sections below. All other data is retained for the period
necessary to ful ll the purposes outlined in our privacy policy. Government and law enforcement
agencies should be as narrow and speci c as possible when fashioning their legal process to avoid
misinterpretation, objection, challenge and/or rejection in response to an unclear, inappropriate, or
over-broad request. With the exception of emergency circumstances (de ned in the Electronic
Communications Privacy Act 1986, as amended) and situations in which a customer has consented, a
search warrant issued upon a probable cause showing is required when government and law
enforcement are requesting customer content.

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Nothing within these Guidelines is meant to create any enforceable rights against Apple, and Apple’s
policies may be updated or changed in the future without further notice to government or law
enforcement.

II. Service of Legal Process
A. Government, Law Enforcement, and Private Party Subpoenas, Search Warrants, and
Court Orders
Apple accepts service of legal process by email to lawenforcement@apple.com from government and
law enforcement agencies, provided it is transmitted from the official email address of the requesting
agency.
To help ensure the legal process Apple receives is in the form and substance the issuing authority
authorized, Apple requires submission of the complete legal process, including attachments, in an
uneditable PDF.
Please Note: When legal process contains 5 or more search parameters, please include the search
parameters in an editable document such as Numbers, Excel, Pages or Word. Apple will not download
legal process documents through any links provided in an email due to system security standards.
Additionally, providing a link to download the legal process will not be considered valid service of
process.
For data security purposes, when the legal process contains full credit, debit, DPAN or Apple gift card
numbers, the complete legal process and 5 or more search parameters should be transmitted in
password-protected documents and the password transmitted in a separate email.
When government or law enforcement serve legal process on Apple by email to
lawenforcement@apple.com, there is no need to serve a paper copy by mail.
Note: All legal requests that are not made by a government or law enforcement agency must be either
personally served at Apple’s headquarters: 20705 Valley Green Drive, Cupertino, California, 95014; or
served through CT Corporation (Apple’s registered agent for service of process).
For inquiries related to law enforcement legal process, please contact: lawenforcement@apple.com. If
you are inquiring regarding the status of a specific subpoena, search warrant, or court order, please
allow 10 business days after service of your request unless the matter involves imminent harm or
threat to life.

B. Managing and Responding to Government, Law Enforcement, and Private Party
Subpoenas, Search Warrants, and Court Orders
Apple carefully reviews all legal requests to ensure that there’s a valid legal basis for each request,
and complies with legally valid requests. Where Apple determines that there is no valid legal basis or
where a request is considered to be unclear, inappropriate or over-broad, Apple will object, challenge
or reject the request.
For processing purposes and due to system limitations, Apple cannot accept legal process that
contains requests related to more than 25 identifiers. If law enforcement submits legal process with
more than 25 identifiers, Apple will respond to the first 25 and law enforcement will need to resubmit
new legal process for any additional identifiers.

C. Witness Testimony Subpoenas
Apple will not waive service requirements for subpoenas seeking witness testimony nor accept service
via electronic means. All subpoenas seeking witness testimony must either be personally served on
Apple or served through Apple’s registered agent for service of process. Apple will resist subpoenas
for witness testimony that are served with fewer than 14 days advance notice.

D. Preservation Requests
Requests to preserve information pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §2703(f) should be transmitted directly from
an of cial government or law enforcement email address to lawenforcement@apple.com.
Preservation requests must include the relevant Apple ID/account email address, or full name and
phone number, and/or full name and physical address of the customer of the subject Apple account.
When a preservation request has been received, Apple will preserve a one-time data pull of the
requested existing customer data available at the time of the request for 90 days. After this 90 day
period, the preservation will be automatically removed from the storage server. However, this period
can be extended for one additional 90-day period upon receipt of a renewed request. An attempt to
serve more than two preservation requests for the same account will result in the second request
being treated as a request for an extension of the original preservation, and not a separate
preservation of new data. Requests for initiations of new preservations of data should be separately
submitted, and must not be combined with requests for extensions of existing preservations.

E. Emergency Requests
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (“ECPA”) governs the authorized disclosure of data,
including customer content, by Apple. An exception to the requirement that government or law
enforcement obtain a search warrant for customer content is provided by ECPA in situations in which
the case involves an emergency. Under 18 U.S.C. §§2702(b)(8) and 2702(c)(4), Apple is permitted,
but not required, to voluntarily disclose information, including contents of communications and
customer records, to a federal, state, or local governmental entity if Apple believes in good faith that
an emergency involving imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to any person requires
such disclosure without delay.
In order to request that Apple voluntarily disclose information on an emergency basis, the requesting
government or law enforcement of cer should complete the Emergency Government & Law
Enforcement Information Request form and transmit it directly from their of cial government or law
enforcement email address to exigent@apple.com with the words “Emergency Request” in the subject
line.

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If a government or law enforcement agency seeks customer data in response to an Emergency
Government & Law Enforcement Information Request, a supervisor for the government or law
enforcement agent who submitted the Emergency Government & Law Enforcement Information
Request may be contacted and asked to con rm to Apple that the emergency request was legitimate.
The government or law enforcement agent who submits the Emergency Government & Law
Enforcement Information Request should provide the supervisor's contact information in the request.

If a government or law enforcement agency needs to contact Apple after hours (before 8:00 am or
after 5:00 pm Paci c time) for an emergency inquiry, please contact Apple’s Global Security
Operations Center (GSOC) at (408) 974-2095.

F. Account Restriction/Deletion Requests
If a government or law enforcement agency, or private party requests that Apple restrict/delete a
customer’s Apple ID, Apple requires a court order (often a judgment of conviction or warrant)
demonstrating the account to be restricted/deleted was used unlawfully.
Apple carefully reviews all requests from government, law enforcement and private parties to ensure
there’s a valid legal basis for each request. In instances where Apple determines there is no valid legal
basis or where the court order does not demonstrate that the account to be restricted/deleted was
used unlawfully, Apple will reject/challenge the request.
Where Apple receives a satisfactory court order (often a judgment of conviction or warrant) from
government, law enforcement or private party demonstrating that the account to be restricted/deleted
was used unlawfully, Apple will take the requisite action to restrict/delete the account in compliance
with the court order; and advise the requesting agent/party accordingly.

G. Customer Notice
Apple will notify customers when their Apple account information is being sought in response to legal
process from government, law enforcement, or third parties, except where providing notice is explicitly
prohibited by the legal process itself, by a court order Apple receives (e.g., an order under 18 U.S.C.
§2705(b)), by applicable law or where Apple, in its sole discretion, believes that providing notice
creates a risk of injury or death to an identi able individual, in situations where the case relates to
child endangerment, or where notice is not applicable to the underlying facts of the case.
After 90 days, Apple will provide delayed notice for emergency disclosures except where notice is
prohibited by court order or applicable law or where Apple, in its sole discretion, believes that
providing notice could create a risk of injury or death to an identi able individual or group of individuals
or in situations where the case relates to child endangerment. Apple will provide delayed notice after
expiration of the non-disclosure period speci ed in a court order unless Apple, in its sole discretion,
reasonably believes that providing notice could create a risk of injury or death to an identi able
individual or group of individuals, in situations where the case relates to child endangerment, or where
notice is not applicable to the underlying facts of the case.
Apple will notify its customers when their Apple account has been restricted/deleted as a result of
Apple receiving a court order (often a judgment of conviction or warrant) demonstrating that the
account to be restricted/deleted was used unlawfully or in violation of Apple’s terms of service; except
where providing notice is prohibited by the legal process itself, by a court order Apple receives (e.g.,
an order under 18 U.S.C. §2705(b)), by applicable law, in situations where the case relates to child
endangerment, or where Apple, in its sole discretion, reasonably believes that providing notice could
create a risk of injury or death to an identi able individual or group of individuals, or where notice is
not applicable to the underlying facts of the case.

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If Apple receives a National Security Letter (NSL) from the U.S. government that contains an inde nite
gag order, Apple will notify the government that it would like the court to review the nondisclosure

provision of the NSL pursuant to the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015. The government then has 30 days
to let the court know why the nondisclosure should remain in effect or can let Apple know that the
nondisclosure no longer applies. If Apple receives notice that the nondisclosure no longer applies, it
will notify the affected customer(s) pursuant to Apple’s customer notice policies.

III. Information Available from Apple
This section covers the general types of information which may be available from Apple at the time of
the publishing of these Guidelines.

A. Device Registration
Basic registration or customer information, including, name, address, email address, and telephone
number is provided to Apple by customers when registering an Apple device prior to iOS 8 and
macOS Sierra 10.12. Apple does not verify this information, and it may not be accurate or re ect the
device’s owner. Registration information for devices running iOS 8 and later versions, as well as Macs
running macOS Sierra 10.12 and later versions is received when a customer associates a device to
an iCloud Apple ID. This information may not be accurate or re ect the device’s owner. Registration
information, if available, may be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process.
Please note, Apple device serial numbers do not contain the letters “O” or “I,” rather Apple utilizes the
numbers 0 (zero) and 1 (one) in serial numbers. Requests for serial numbers with either the letter “O”
or “I” will yield no results.

B. Customer Service Records
Contacts that customers have had with Apple customer service regarding a device or service may be
obtained from Apple. This information may include records of support interactions with customers
regarding a particular Apple device or service. Additionally, information regarding the device, warranty,
and repair may also be available. This information, if available, may be obtained with a subpoena or
greater legal process.

C. Apple Media Services
App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV app, Apple Podcasts, and Apple Books (“Apple Media Services”)
are software applications which customers use to organize and play apps, digital music and video,
and stream content. Apple Media Services also provide content for customers to download for their
computers and iOS devices. When a customer opens an Apple account, basic customer information
such as name, physical address, email address, and telephone number can be provided by the
customer. Additionally, information regarding Apple Media Service purchase/download transactions
and connections, update/re-download connections may also be available. IP address information may
be limited to the most recent 18 months. Apple customer information and connection logs with IP
addresses can be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process. Apple Media Service purchase/
download transactional records and records of the speci c content purchased or downloaded, if
available, may be obtained with an order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or a court order with the
equivalent legal standard, or a search warrant.

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Requests for Apple Media Service data must include the Apple device identi er (serial number, IMEI,
MEID, or GUID) or relevant Apple ID/account email address. If the Apple ID/account email address are

unknown, it is necessary to provide Apple with Apple Media Service customer information in the form
of full name and phone number, and/or full name and physical address in order to identify the subject
Apple account. Government or law enforcement of cers may also provide a valid Apple Media Service
order number or a complete debit or credit card number associated with the Apple Media Service
purchase(s). A customer name in combination with these parameters may also be provided, but
customer name alone is insuf cient to obtain information.
Please note: For data security purposes, when the legal process contains full credit, debit, DPAN or
Apple gift card numbers, the complete legal process, including attachments, should be transmitted in a
password-protected uneditable PDF and the password transmitted in a separate email. When legal
process contains 5 or more search parameters, please include the search parameters in a passwordprotected editable document such as Numbers, Excel, Pages or Word. Apple will not download legal
process documents through any links provided in an email due to system security standards.
Additionally, providing a link to download the legal process will not be considered valid service of
process.

D. Apple Store Transactions
Point of Sale transactions are cash, credit/debit card, or gift card transactions that occur at an Apple
Store. Requests for Point of Sale records must include the complete credit/debit card number used
and may also include additional information such as date and time of transaction, amount, and items
purchased. Information regarding the type of card associated with a particular purchase, name of the
purchaser, email address, date/time of the transaction, amount of the transaction, and store location, if
available, may be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process.
Requests for duplicate copies of receipts must include the retail transaction number associated with
the purchase(s) and, if available, they may be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process.
Please note: For data security purposes, when the legal process contains full credit, debit, DPAN or
Apple gift card numbers, the complete legal process, including attachments, should be transmitted in a
password-protected uneditable PDF and the password transmitted in a separate email. When legal
process contains 5 or more search parameters, please include the search parameters in a passwordprotected editable document such as Numbers, Excel, Pages or Word. Apple will not download legal
process documents through any links provided in an email due to system security standards.
Additionally, providing a link to download the legal process will not be considered valid service of
process.

E. Apple.com Orders

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Apple maintains information regarding orders online at Apple.com, which may include name of the
purchaser, shipping address, telephone number, email address, product(s) purchased, purchase
amount, and IP address of the purchase. Requests for information pertaining to orders online at
Apple.com must include a complete credit/debit card number or an order number, or serial number of
the item purchased. A customer name in combination with these parameters may also be provided,
however customer name alone is insuf cient to obtain information. Alternatively, requests for
information pertaining to orders online at Apple.com may include the relevant Apple ID/account email
address. If the Apple ID/account email address are unknown, Apple requires customer information in
the form of full name and phone number, and/or full name and physical address to identify the subject
Apple account. Purchase information for orders online at Apple.com, if available, may be obtained with
a subpoena or greater legal process.

Please note: For data security purposes, when the legal process contains full credit, debit, DPAN or
Apple gift card numbers, the complete legal process, including attachments, should be transmitted in a
password-protected uneditable PDF and the password transmitted in a separate email. When legal
process contains 5 or more search parameters, please include the search parameters in a passwordprotected editable document such as Numbers, Excel, Pages or Word. Apple will not download legal
process documents through any links provided in an email due to system security standards.
Additionally, providing a link to download the legal process will not be considered valid service of
process.

F. Gift Cards
Apple Store Gift Cards, App Store & iTunes Gift Cards, and Apple Gift Cards have a serial number.
These serial numbers have multiple formats depending on variables such as design and/or date of
issue. Apple may provide available information regarding Apple Store Gift Cards, App Store & iTunes
Gift Cards, and Apple Gift Cards in response to a subpoena or greater legal process.

i. Apple Store Gift Cards
Apple Store Gift Cards may be used for purchases in either Apple.com or an Apple Store.
Available records may include gift card purchaser information (if purchased from Apple as
opposed to a third-party merchant), associated purchase transactions, and items purchased.
In some instances, Apple may be able to cancel or suspend an Apple Store Gift Card,
depending on the status of the speci c card. Apple Store Gift Card information, if available,
may be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process.
Please note: For data security purposes, when the legal process contains full credit, debit,
DPAN or Apple gift card numbers, the complete legal process, including attachments, should
be transmitted in a password-protected uneditable PDF and the password transmitted in a
separate email. When legal process contains 5 or more search parameters, please include
the search parameters in a password-protected editable document such as Numbers, Excel,
Pages or Word. Apple will not download legal process documents through any links provided
in an email due to system security standards. Additionally, providing a link to download the
legal process will not be considered valid service of process.

ii. App Store & iTunes Gift Cards
App Store & iTunes Gift Cards can be used in Apple Music, App Store, Apple Books and Mac
App Store. With the serial number, Apple can determine whether the App Store & iTunes Gift
Card has been activated (purchased at a retail point-of-sale) or redeemed (added to the store
credit balance of an Apple account).

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When an App Store & iTunes Gift Card is activated, available records may include the name
of the store, location, date, and time. When an App Store & iTunes Gift Card is redeemed,
available records may include customer information for the related Apple account, date and
time of activation and/or redemption, and redemption IP address. In some instances, Apple
may be able to disable an App Store & iTunes Gift Card, depending on the status of the
speci c card. App Store & iTunes Gift Card information, if available, may be obtained with a
subpoena or greater legal process.

Please note: For data security purposes, when the legal process contains full credit, debit,
DPAN or Apple gift card numbers, the complete legal process, including attachments, should
be transmitted in a password-protected uneditable PDF and the password transmitted in a
separate email. When legal process contains 5 or more search parameters, please include
the search parameters in a password-protected editable document such as Numbers, Excel,
Pages or Word. Apple will not download legal process documents through any links provided
in an email due to system security standards. Additionally, providing a link to download the
legal process will not be considered valid service of process.

iii. Apple Gift Cards
Apple Gift Cards can be used in the U.S. for purchasing everything Apple — products,
accessories, apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, subscriptions, iCloud, and more — all in
one card. The Apple ID balance is now the Apple Account Balance and can be used for any
Apple product or service. Apple Gift Card can also be brought to a retail location to redeem in
person. Apple Gift Card information, if available, may be obtained with a subpoena or greater
legal process.
Please note: For data security purposes, when the legal process contains full credit, debit,
DPAN or Apple gift card numbers, the complete legal process, including attachments, should
be transmitted in a password-protected uneditable PDF and the password transmitted in a
separate email. When legal process contains 5 or more search parameters, please include
the search parameters in a password-protected editable document such as Numbers, Excel,
Pages or Word. Apple will not download legal process documents through any links provided
in an email due to system security standards. Additionally, providing a link to download the
legal process will not be considered valid service of process.

G. Apple Cash
Apple Cash, which includes the ability to send and receive money person to person with Messages
and the Apple Cash Card, is a service provided by Green Dot Bank, a Utah state chartered bank,
Member FDIC. Green Dot Bank offers and operates Apple Cash, is responsible for customers and
their transactions, and maintains all associated information. Apple does not keep any transactional
records related to Apple Cash. Accordingly, requests for Apple Cash information should be directed to
Green Dot Bank.
Service of legal process should be sent to Fax: 866.963.6235 or Mail: Green Dot Bank, P.O. Box
5100, Pasadena, CA 91117. Inquiries may be emailed to:
ApplePayCashLawEnforcementSupport@greendotcorp.com.

H. Apple Pay

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Apple Pay transactions made at retail locations (e.g., for NFC/contactless communications) and in
apps or online points-of-sale are authenticated securely on the customer’s device and sent in
encrypted form to the merchant or the merchant’s payment processor. While transaction security is
veri ed by an Apple server, Apple does not process payments or store such transactions nor the full
credit/debit card numbers associated with purchases made using Apple Pay. This information may be
available through the relevant issuing bank, the payment network, or the merchant.

Apple may be able to provide Apple Pay information regarding the type(s) of credit/debit card(s) a
customer has added to Apple Pay along with customer information. This information, if available, may
be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process. To request such information, Apple would
require a device identi er (Apple serial number, SEID, IMEI or MEID); or an Apple ID/account email
address.
Please note: For data security purposes, when the legal process contains full credit, debit, DPAN or
Apple gift card numbers, the complete legal process, including attachments, should be transmitted in a
password-protected uneditable PDF and the password transmitted in a separate email. When legal
process contains 5 or more search parameters, please include the search parameters in a passwordprotected editable document such as Numbers, Excel, Pages or Word. Apple will not download legal
process documents through any links provided in an email due to system security standards.
Additionally, providing a link to download the legal process will not be considered valid service of
process.

I.

Apple Pay Later

Apple Pay Later is offered by Apple Financing LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Apple Inc. As the
nance provider of Apple Pay Later loans, Apple Financing LLC maintains records related to the Apple
Pay Later program. Accordingly, legal process seeking information related to Apple Pay Later should
be directed to Apple Financing LLC and be sent to lawenforcement@apple.com.
Apple Pay Later is available in the U.S. for online and in-app purchases on iPhone or iPad with iOS or
iPadOS 16.4 or greater. Apple Pay Later provides eligible U.S. users with the ability to split the cost of
an Apple Pay purchase into four substantially equal payments over six weeks with no interest and no
fees. Users can apply for Apple Pay Later loans of $50 - $1,000. Eligible users will see the Pay Later
option when they select Apple Pay at checkout online and in-app. To complete a purchase transaction
with Apple Pay Later, a user must use an Apple Pay provisioned debit card for the down payment.
Subsequent Apple Pay Later loan repayments may be completed using an Apple Pay-eligible debit
card or Apple Cash. Apple Pay Later transactions made online or in-app are authenticated securely on
the customer’s device and sent in encrypted form to the merchant or the merchant’s payment
processor.
Apple Financing LLC may be able to provide Apple Pay Later information regarding a customer’s
Apple Pay Later application, loan, or loan repayment. This information, if available, may be obtained
with a subpoena or greater legal process. To request such information, please submit legal process
directed to Apple Financing LLC which includes:
1) 12 digit Apple Pay Later Loan ID and date of transaction(s); and/or
2) Primary Account Number (PAN); and/or
3) Network Transaction ID and date of transaction(s); and/or
4) Apple ID/account email address; and/or
5) full name and phone number; and/or

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To request transactional data for Apple Pay purchases made at Apple Store locations or through
Apple.com, Apple requires the Device Primary Account Number (DPAN) used for the transaction. The
DPAN is 16 digits and can be obtained from the issuing bank. Note: The DPAN is used in contactless
payment transactions with the merchant in place of the actual credit/debit card number (FPAN/Funding
PAN). The DPAN is converted into the corresponding FPAN by the payment processor. With the
relevant DPAN information, Apple may be able to conduct a reasonable search to locate responsive
information through its point-of-sale system. These records, if available, may be obtained with a
subpoena or greater legal process.

6) full name and physical address; and/or
7) full name, social security number and date of birth.
For data security purposes, when your legal process contains a PAN number, the PAN number should
be transmitted in a password-protected document (.PDF and editable format, example Numbers,
Excel, Pages or Word document) to lawenforcement@apple.com and the password should be
transmitted in a separate email.
Apple Inc. may be able to provide Apple Pay Later information related to limited Apple Pay Later
customer support interactions. This information, if available, may be obtained with a subpoena or
greater legal process. To request such information, please submit separate legal process directed to
Apple Inc. which includes:
1) Apple ID/account email address; and/or
2) full name and phone number; and/or
3) full name and physical address.

J. Apple Card
Apple Card is a credit card created by Apple. Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch, is the
issuing bank for Apple Card. Goldman Sachs manages Apple Card and associated nancial
transactions, and maintains associated records. Apple does not keep any records related to Apple
Card nancial transactions. Accordingly, as the issuing bank and regulated nancial institution
responsible for managing Apple Card and related nancial transactions, requests for information
related to Apple Card transactions should be directed to Goldman Sachs. The Goldman Sachs support
line for questions is: 877-255-5923.

K. Savings
Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch, is the providing bank for Savings. Goldman Sachs
manages Savings and associated nancial transactions and maintains associated records. Apple
does not keep any such records. Accordingly, as the providing bank responsible for Savings, requests
for information should be directed to Goldman Sachs. The Goldman Sachs support line for questions
is: 877-255-5923.

L. iCloud
iCloud is Apple’s cloud service that allows customers to access their photos, documents, and more
from all their devices. iCloud also enables customers to back up their iOS or iPadOS devices to
iCloud. With iCloud, customers can set up an iCloud.com email account. iCloud email domains can be
@icloud.com, @me.com and @mac.com. All iCloud content data stored by Apple is additionally
encrypted at the location of the server. For data Apple can decrypt, Apple retains the encryption keys
in its U.S. data centers. Apple does not receive or retain encryption keys for customer’s end-to-end
encrypted data.

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iCloud is a customer based service. Requests for iCloud data must include the relevant Apple ID/
account email address. If the Apple ID/account email address are unknown, Apple requires customer
information in the form of full name and phone number, and/or full name and physical address to
identify the subject Apple account. Where only a phone number or Apple ID/account email address are
provided, available information for veri ed accounts associated with these criteria may be produced.

I. The following information may be available from iCloud:

a. Customer Information
When a customer sets up an iCloud account, basic customer information such as name,
physical address, email address, and telephone number may be provided to Apple.
Additionally, information regarding iCloud feature connections may also be available. iCloud
customer information and connection logs with IP addresses, if available, may be obtained
with a subpoena or greater legal process. Connection logs are retained up to 25 days.

b. Mail Logs
Mail logs include records of incoming and outgoing communications such as time, date,
sender email addresses, and recipient email addresses. Mail logs, if available, may be
obtained with a court order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or a court order with an equivalent
legal standard, or a search warrant. iCloud mail logs are retained up to 25 days.

c. Email Content and Other iCloud Content, My Photo Stream, iCloud Photo
Library, iCloud Drive, Contacts, Calendars, Bookmarks, Safari Browsing History,
Maps Search History, Messages, iOS Device Backups
iCloud stores content for the services that the customer has elected to maintain in the account
while the customer’s account remains active. Apple does not retain deleted content once it is
cleared from Apple’s servers. iCloud content may include email, stored photos, documents,
contacts, calendars, bookmarks, Safari Browsing History, Maps Search History, Messages
and iOS device backups. iOS device backups may include photos and videos in the Camera
Roll, device settings, app data, iMessage, Business Chat, SMS, and MMS messages and
voicemail. For data Apple can decrypt, Apple retains the encryption keys in its U.S. data
centers. Apple does not receive or retain encryption keys for customer’s end-to-end encrypted
data. iCloud content, as it exists in the customer’s account, may be provided in response to a
search warrant issued upon a showing of probable cause, or customer consent.

II. Advanced Data Protection
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud is a feature that uses end-to-end encryption to protect iCloud
data with Apple’s highest level of data security. For users who enable Advanced Data Protection for
iCloud, limited iCloud data may be available. More information on Advanced Data Protection can be
found at: https://support.apple.com/kb/HT212520
The following information may be available from iCloud if a user has enabled Advanced Data
Protection for iCloud:

a. Customer Information
When a customer sets up an iCloud account, basic customer information such as name,
physical address, email address, and telephone number may be provided to Apple. Additionally,
information regarding iCloud feature connections may also be available. iCloud customer

information and connection logs with IP addresses, if available, may be obtained with a
subpoena or greater legal process. Connection logs are retained up to 25 days.

b. Mail Logs
Mail logs include records of incoming and outgoing communications such as time, date,
sender email addresses, and recipient email addresses. Mail logs, if available, may be
obtained with a court order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or a court order with an equivalent legal
standard, or a search warrant. iCloud mail logs are retained up to 25 days.

c. Email Content and Other iCloud Content
For users that have enabled Advanced Data Protection, iCloud stores content for email,
contacts, and calendars that the customer has elected to maintain in the account while the
customer’s account remains active. This data may be provided, as it exists in the customer’s
account, in response to a search warrant issued upon a showing of probable cause, or
customer consent. This limited data is stored by Apple and additionally encrypted at the
location of the server. For data Apple can decrypt, Apple retains the encryption keys in its U.S.
data centers. Apple does not receive or retain encryption keys for customer’s end-to-end
encrypted data.
Advanced Data Protection uses end-to-end encryption, and Apple cannot decrypt certain iCloud
content, including Photos, iCloud Drive, Backup, Notes, and Safari Bookmarks. In some
circumstances, Apple may retain limited information related to these iCloud services that may
be obtained, if available, with a court order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or a court order with an
equivalent legal standard, or a search warrant.
III. iCloud Private Relay
iCloud Private Relay is an internet privacy service offered as part of an iCloud+ subscription. Private
Relay protects users’ web browsing in Safari, DNS (Domain Name Space) resolution queries, and
unencrypted http app traf c. Users must have an iCloud+ subscription and device with iOS 15,
iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey (macOS 12) or later to utilize iCloud Private Relay. More information
about Private Relay can be found at https://support.apple.com/en-in/HT212614 and https://
www.apple.com/privacy/docs/iCloud_Private_Relay_Overview_Dec2021.PDF.
When Private Relay is enabled, user web browsing requests are sent through two separate, secure
internet relays. User IP address is visible to user network provider and to the rst relay, which is
operated by Apple. User DNS records are encrypted, so neither party can see the address of the
website the user is trying to visit. The second relay, which is operated by a third-party content provider,
generates a temporary IP address, decrypts the name of the website user requested and connects
user to the site. Private Relay validates that the client connecting is an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Private
Relay replaces the user’s original IP address with one assigned from the range of IP addresses used
by the service. The assigned relay IP address may be shared among more than one Private Relay
user in the same area.

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Where user web browsing requests utilize Private Relay, Apple is not able to determine the user client
IP address or the corresponding user account from the Private Relay IP addresses. Apple has no
information to provide regarding the AppleID associated with the Private Relay IP address.

Note: iCloud Private Relay is not available in all countries or regions. If users have Private Relay
enabled and travel somewhere Private Relay isn’t available, it will automatically turn off and will turn
on again when users re-enter a country or region that supports it.

M. Find My
Find My is a user-enabled feature by which an iCloud customer is able to locate his/her lost or
misplaced iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, AirPods, Mac, AirTag and/or take certain actions,
including putting the device in lost mode, or locking or wiping the device. More information about this
service can be found at https://www.apple.com/icloud/ nd-my/.
For the Find My feature to work for a customer who has lost their device, it must have already been
enabled on that speci c device before it was lost. The Find My feature on a device cannot be activated
remotely, or after the device has been lost, or upon a request from a government or law enforcement
agency. Device location services information is stored on each individual device and Apple cannot
retrieve this information from any speci c device. Location services information for a device located
through the Find My feature is customer facing and Apple does not have content of maps or alerts
transmitted through the service. The following support link provides information and steps that can be
taken by a customer if an iOS device is lost or stolen: http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201472.
Find My connection logs are available for a period up to 25 days; and, if available, may be obtained
with a subpoena or greater legal process. Find My transactional activity for requests to remotely lock
or erase a device, if available, may be obtained with an order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or a court
order with the equivalent legal standard, or a search warrant.

N. AirTag and Find My Network Accessory Program
The Find My app on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac makes it easy for customers to locate
personal items by attaching an AirTag or by using a product that is part of the Find My network
accessory program.
With AirTag and iOS 14.5 and macOS 11.3 or later, customers may be assisted in nding missing
personal items (keys, backpacks, luggage, etc.) using the Find My app. AirTag must be within
Bluetooth range of the paired iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch in order to play a sound, or to use Precision
Finding with compatible iPhone models. When not near its owner, the approximate location of AirTag
may be provided if the AirTag is within range of a device in the Find My network, which is made up of
hundreds of millions of Apple devices around the world. More information can be found at: https://
support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227 and https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210967.
The Find My network accessory program opens up the Find My network to third-party device
manufacturer products (bikes, headphones, etc.) to utilize the service so customers can locate their
supported third-party products with the Find My app with iOS 14.3 and macOS 11.1 or later.

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To add AirTag or supported third-party products to the Items tab in the Find My app, customers must
have an Apple ID, be signed into their iCloud account with Find My enabled, and register their AirTag
or supported third-party products to their Apple ID. The interaction is end-to-end encrypted, and Apple
cannot view the location of any AirTag or supported third-party products. More information can be
found at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211331.

With a serial number, Apple may be able to provide the paired account details in response to a
subpoena or greater legal process. AirTag pairing history is available for a period up to 25 days. The
following support link provides information on finding an AirTag serial number: https://
support.apple.com/en-us/HT211658. Information on a customer account associated with an AirTag
may be available for a longer period of time where NFC tap activity has occurred. More information
related to NFC capability can be found at the section “Get information about or disable an AirTag, Find
My network accessory, or set of AirPods” in https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227.
Please note, Apple device serial numbers do not contain the letters “O” or “I,” rather Apple utilizes the
numbers 0 (zero) and 1 (one) in serial numbers. Requests for serial numbers with either the letter “O”
or “I” will yield no results. In instances where a legal request contains 5 or more serial numbers, Apple
requests these serial numbers to also be submitted in editable electronic format (example Numbers,
Excel, Pages or Word document).

O. Extracting Data from Passcode Locked iOS Devices
For all devices running iOS 8.0 and later versions, Apple is unable to perform an iOS device data
extraction as the data typically sought by law enforcement is encrypted, and Apple does not possess
the encryption key. All iPhone 6 and later device models are manufactured running iOS 8.0 or a later
version of iOS.
For devices running iOS 4 through iOS 7, Apple may, depending on the status of the device, perform
iOS data extractions, pursuant to California's Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA,
California Penal Code sections 1546-1546.4). In order for Apple to perform an iOS data extraction for
a device that meets these criteria, law enforcement should obtain a search warrant issued upon a
showing of probable cause under CalECPA. Apart from CalECPA, Apple has not identified any
established legal authority which requires Apple to extract data as a third-party in a law enforcement
investigation.

P. IP Address Request
Requesting Apple customer data based on an IP address is often overly broad and imprecise. Before
submitting legal process with an IP address as an identifier, Apple requests that law enforcement
determine that the subject IP address is not a public or router IP address and not using Carrier-grade
Network Address Translation (CGNAT) and confirm to Apple during service of the legal process that it
is a non-public IP address. Moreover, such requests must include a date restriction of no more than
three days. In response to such a request, Apple may be able to produce connection logs (see below,
section III.S) from which law enforcement can attempt to identify a particular Apple account/Apple ID
to use as an identifier in a follow up legal process request. Apple customer data based on an IP
address may be obtained with an order under 18 U.S.C. 2703(d) or court order meeting the equivalent
legal standard or search warrant.

Q. Other Available Device Information
MAC Address: A Media Access Control address (MAC address), is a unique identifier assigned to
network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. Any Apple product with
network interfaces will have one or more MAC addresses, such as Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or
FireWire. By providing Apple with a serial number (or in the case of an iOS device, IMEI, MEID, or
UDID), responsive MAC address information, if available, may be obtained with a subpoena or greater
legal process.

R. Requests for Apple Store CCTV Data
CCTV data may vary by store location. CCTV data is typically maintained at an Apple store for a
maximum of 30 days. After this timeframe has passed, data may not be available. Requests which are
solely for CCTV data can be sent to retailsecurity@apple.com. Government or law enforcement
should provide store location, speci c date, time, and related transaction information regarding the
data requested.

S. Game Center
Game Center is Apple’s social gaming network. Information regarding Game Center connections for a
customer or a device may be available. Connection logs, if available, may be obtained with a
subpoena or greater legal process. Game Center records of the speci c games accessed, if available,
may be obtained with an order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or a court order with the equivalent legal
standard, or a search warrant.

T. iOS Device Activation
When a customer activates an iOS device with a cellular service provider or upgrades the software,
certain information is provided to Apple from the service provider or from the device, depending on the
event. IP addresses of the event, ICCID numbers, and other device identi ers may be available. IP
address information may be limited to the most recent 18 months. This information, if available, may
be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process.
Dual SIM: For devices featuring Dual SIM, carrier information for the nano SIM and/or eSIM, if
available, may be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process. An eSIM is a digital SIM that
allows customers to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without having to use a physical nano-SIM.
More information can be found at http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044.

U. Connection Logs
Connection activity for a customer or a device to Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple TV app,
Apple Podcasts, Apple Books, iCloud, My Apple ID, and Apple Discussions, when available, may be
obtained from Apple. These connection logs with IP addresses, if available, may be obtained with a
subpoena or greater legal process. Transactional records, if available, may be obtained with an order
under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or court order with the equivalent legal standard, or search warrant.

V. My Apple ID and iForgot Logs

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My Apple ID and iForgot logs for a customer may be obtained from Apple. My Apple ID and iForgot
logs may include information regarding password reset actions. Connection logs with IP addresses, if
available, may be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process. Transactional records, if
available, may be obtained with an order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or court order with the equivalent
legal standard, or search warrant.

W. FaceTime
FaceTime communications are end-to-end encrypted and Apple has no way to decrypt FaceTime data
when it is in transit between devices. Apple cannot intercept FaceTime communications. Apple has
FaceTime call invitation logs when a FaceTime call invitation is initiated. These logs do not indicate
that any communication between customers actually took place. FaceTime call invitation logs are
retained up to 25 days. FaceTime call invitation logs, if available, may be obtained with an order under
18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or court order with the equivalent legal standard, or search warrant.

X. iMessage
iMessage communications are end-to-end encrypted and Apple has no way to decrypt iMessage data
when it is in transit between devices. Apple cannot intercept iMessage communications and Apple
does not have iMessage communication logs. Apple does have iMessage capability query logs. These
logs indicate that a query has been initiated by a device application (which can be Messages,
Contacts, Phone, or other device application) and routed to Apple’s servers for a lookup handle (which
can be a phone number, email address, or Apple ID) to determine whether that lookup handle is
“iMessage capable.” iMessage capability query logs do not indicate that any communication between
customers actually took place. Apple cannot determine whether any actual iMessage communication
took place on the basis of the iMessage capability query logs. Apple also cannot identify the actual
application that initiated the query. iMessage capability query logs do not con rm that an iMessage
event was actually attempted. iMessage capability query logs are retained up to 25 days. iMessage
capability query logs, if available, may be obtained with an order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d), or court
order with the equivalent legal standard, or search warrant.
Y. Apple TV app
The Apple TV app allows customers to browse, purchase, subscribe to, and play TV shows and
movies from Apple TV+, Apple TV Channels, and third party apps and services. Purchase and
download history, may be available.
Requests for Apple TV app customer data must include the Apple device identi er (serial number,
IMEI, MEID, or GUID) or relevant Apple ID/account email address. If the Apple ID/account email
address are unknown, it is necessary to provide Apple with customer information in the form of full
name and phone number, and/or full name and physical address in order to identify the subject
customer account. Government or law enforcement of cers may also provide a valid Apple order
number or a complete credit/debit card number associated with an Apple TV app purchase(s). A
customer name in combination with these parameters may also be provided, but customer name
alone is insuf cient to obtain information.

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Please note: For data security purposes, when the legal process contains full credit, debit, DPAN or
Apple gift card numbers, the complete legal process, including attachments, should be transmitted in a
password-protected uneditable PDF and the password transmitted in a separate email. When legal
process contains 5 or more search parameters, please include the search parameters in a passwordprotected editable document such as Numbers, Excel, Pages or Word. Apple will not download legal
process documents through any links provided in an email due to system security standards.
Additionally, providing a link to download the legal process will not be considered valid service of
process.

Z. Sign in with Apple
Sign in with Apple is a more private way for customers to sign into third-party apps and websites with
the customer’s existing Apple ID. A Sign in with Apple button on a participating app or website allows a
customers to set up an account and sign in with their Apple ID. Instead of using a social media
account, or completing forms and selecting another new password, a customer can merely tap the
Sign in with Apple button, review their information, and sign in quickly and securely with Face ID,
Touch ID, or their device passcode. More information can be found at https://support.apple.com/en-us/
HT210318.
Hide My Email is a feature of Sign in with Apple. It uses Apple's private email relay service to create
and share a unique, random email address that forwards emails to a customer’s personal email
address. Basic customer information can be obtained with a subpoena or greater legal process.
AA. Apple Push Noti cation Service (APNs)
When users allow an application they have installed to receive push noti cations, an Apple Push
Noti cation Service (APNs) token is generated and registered to that developer and device. Some
apps may have multiple APNs tokens for one account on one device to differentiate between
messages and multi-media.

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The Apple ID associated with a registered APNs token and associated records may be obtained with
an order under 18 U.S.C. §2703(d) or a search warrant.

IV. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I email Apple with questions regarding my legal process?
A: Yes, questions or inquiries regarding government legal process can be emailed to
lawenforcement@apple.com.
Q: I need to personally serve Apple, where should I go?
A: All personal service can be made at Apple’s Cupertino, California headquarters located at the
following address:
Apple Inc.
20705 Valley Green Drive
Cupertino, CA 95014
Q: Can I serve a deposition subpoena directly on an Apple store?
A: No, all subpoenas for testimony, including subpoenas for deposition or trial testimony, need to be
personally served on Apple as specified above.
Q: Does a device have to be registered with Apple in order to function or be used?
A: No, a device does not have to be registered with Apple in order for it to function or be used.
Q: Can Apple provide me with the passcode of an iOS device that is currently locked?
A: No, Apple does not have access to a customer’s passcode.
Q: Can you help me return a lost or stolen device to the person who lost it?
A: In these cases, contact lawenforcement@apple.com. Please include the device serial number (or
IMEI, if applicable) in your email and any additional relevant information. Information on finding the
serial number is available here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204308.
If customer information is available, Apple will contact the customer and provide details to contact law
enforcement to recover the device. However, if the customer cannot be determined from available
information, you may be instructed to submit a subpoena or other valid legal request.
Q: Does Apple keep a list of lost or stolen devices?
A: No, Apple does not keep a list of lost or stolen devices.
Q: What should be done with the produced files and records when law enforcement has
concluded the investigation/criminal case?
A: Information and data provided to government or law enforcement containing personally identifiable
information (including any copies made) should be destroyed after the related investigation, criminal
case, and all appeals have been fully exhausted.
Q: Do you notify customers of legal process?
A: Yes, Apple’s notice policy applies to account requests from law enforcement, government and
private parties. Apple will notify customers and account holders unless there is a non-disclosure order
or applicable law prohibiting notice, or where Apple, in its sole discretion, reasonably believes that
such notice may pose immediate risk of serious injury or death to a member of the public, the case

relates to a child endangerment matter, or where notice is not applicable to the underlying facts of the
case.
Q: Can Apple intercept customers’ communications pursuant to a Wiretap Order?
A: Apple can intercept customers’ email communications, upon receipt of a valid Wiretap Order. Apple
cannot intercept customers’ iMessage or FaceTime communications as these communications are
end-to-end encrypted.
Q: I am looking into whether a customer’s email reach the requirements for interstate
commerce. Where are the iCloud email servers located?
A: Apple’s U.S. email servers are located in Arizona, California, Nevada, North Carolina, and Oregon.

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Q: I requested information in the body of my email, why was it not provided?
A: Requests for information not included within the body of the signed subpoena, search warrant, or
court order will be disregarded; Apple will only provide information that is speci ed in the actual
executed legal process document.