UK Government Tries Again To Access Encrypted Apple Customer Data: Report
The UK government tries again to access encrypted Apple customer data: Report suggests renewed pressure on Apple to weaken iCloud’s security. According to the Financial Times, British officials have filed a new secret order demanding Apple create a backdoor for encrypted iCloud backups.
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This comes after the Home Office allegedly issued a similar order earlier this year, raising major concerns among privacy advocates and Apple users worldwide.
UK Home Office Issues New Demand To Apple
The report reveals that in September, the U.K. Home Office sent a notice to Apple requesting a system that would allow access to encrypted iCloud data of British citizens. If enforced, this would require Apple to compromise its own Advanced Data Protection (ADP)—a feature designed to give users end-to-end encryption, even preventing Apple itself from accessing their backups.
Apple spokesperson Julien Trosdorf declined to comment on the existence of the second order but stressed that Apple was “gravely disappointed” that it cannot offer ADP to users in the U.K.
Why Privacy Advocates Are Alarmed
Privacy activists argue that granting the government such powers would set a dangerous precedent. Weakening encryption in one country could open the door for similar demands worldwide, threatening the security of millions of users.
Critics also warn that once a backdoor exists, it could be exploited by bad actors—not just governments. This is why tech companies, including Apple, have consistently resisted building any system that undermines end-to-end encryption.
The Second Technical Capability Notice
This is not the first time the U.K. has taken this step. Back in January, the government issued its first Technical Capability Notice under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016—often criticized as the “Snoopers’ Charter.”
That order forced Apple to disable enrollment in ADP for new U.K. users and later extended to block access for existing ones. Now, with the second order, the government appears determined to press further for access to private user data.
What’s Next For Apple And U.K. Users?
The standoff raises difficult questions about balancing national security interests with individual privacy rights. Apple has long argued that strong encryption is critical to protecting customers from hackers, surveillance, and cybercriminals.
With the UK government tries again to access encrypted Apple customer data: Report highlighting renewed pressure, the debate over privacy versus security is far from over.
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