iCloud user learns ‘Hide My Email’ privacy does not apply to threats
9to5Mac • • technology
Key Points:
- Apple disclosed the identity of a user who sent a threatening email to the FBI director’s girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, after law enforcement requested records linked to an iCloud+ Hide My Email alias.
- The user, Alden Ruml, had used the Hide My Email feature to anonymously send the threat, but Apple provided his real name and iCloud email address to the FBI as part of their cooperation with law enforcement.
- Ruml was interviewed by authorities, admitted to sending the threat, and was charged by a grand jury with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.
- The FBI is now seeking warrants to search Ruml’s devices, including permission to use biometric unlocking and disable security features like Stolen Device Protection.
- Apple regularly releases transparency reports on law enforcement requests, and this case will likely be included in the first half of 2026 report.
