Apple has filed a new legal challenge against the UK government's demand for access to encrypted customer data. The demand, based on the Investigatory Powers Act, follows a previous dispute that caused a transatlantic row and was dropped after US intervention. In response to the UK's actions, Apple has already disabled its Advanced Data Protection feature for new users in the country, and existing users will eventually have to follow.
Apple legal challenge
- ▪Apple has launched a new legal challenge against the UK government's attempt to access encrypted customer data
- ▪Apple has stated it has "never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will."
UK encrypted data demand
- ▪The UK Home Office is demanding access to encrypted data held by British customers
- ▪In early 2025, the UK Home Office ordered Apple to create a technical "backdoor" to view encrypted material in its cloud software
- ▪The UK Home Office renewed its demand in September, requesting that Apple provide access specifically to British citizens' encrypted data
Transatlantic diplomatic tensions
- ▪The original UK demand caused a "transatlantic row" because it extended to American users' data
- ▪A previous UK data access order, which included American customer data, was dropped after interventions from U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance
Advanced Data Protection restrictions
- ▪Apple stated that existing UK users of its Advanced Data Protection feature will eventually need to disable it
- ▪In response to the UK's initial request, Apple disabled its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for new users in the UK
Government surveillance justification
- ▪The UK Home Office states law enforcement needs access to communications to protect the public from terrorism, serious crime, and child sexual abuse
- ▪The UK government's actions are based on the Investigatory Powers Act, which it calls "world-leading legislation."
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