UK UK backs down in Apple privacy row, US says

[CharlieH]

 

 

In a major U-turn, the UK shelves its demand to access Apple users' data globally!

 

The US director of national intelligence has revealed that the UK has withdrawn its controversial request for a "back door" to access encrypted data of Apple users worldwide. This abrupt reversal followed concerns that the move could infringe on the civil liberties of American citizens.

 

Tulsi Gabbard stated that the UK agreed to drop its demand, which would have compromised the security of encrypted data, provoking outrage among privacy advocates. Despite this development, Apple has not received any official communication from the UK or US governments.

 

A spokesperson from the UK government avoided discussing operational specifics but highlighted ongoing security collaborations with the US to tackle threats such as terrorism and child exploitation facilitated by advancing technology.

Last December, the UK had formally demanded Apple to allow access to encrypted data globally, a requirement that clashed with Apple's commitment to user privacy. Apple cannot access customer data when users activate Advanced Data Protection (ADP).

 

Firm in its stance, Apple declared, "We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services, and we never will." In defiance, Apple withdrew ADP from the UK and initiated a legal challenge, scheduled for hearing in 2026.

The continuation of this tribunal remains uncertain, leaving many questions unanswered. Due to the secrecy surrounding the government order, it is unknown if other tech firms received similar demands. WhatsApp has confirmed that it hasn't been approached.

 

The news has incited cautious optimism among privacy campaigners who decried the UK’s initial demand. Sam Grant from the civil rights group Liberty called the potential backdoor "reckless," warning it endangered both personal and national security, particularly putting politicians and minority groups at risk.

 

Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group, expressed worries about the UK's enduring powers to attack encryption, which remain a significant threat to user security.

 

The existing US-UK Data Access Agreement allows data sharing for law enforcement purposes but highlights the delicate balance between security and privacy. The privacy community continues to watch closely, wary of any future attempts to infringe on encrypted communication services.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-19