UK Government Reportedly Orders Apple to Grant Access to Encrypted User Data

By Evans Momodu
2 minute read

The UK government has reportedly issued Apple a Technical Capability Notice (TCN), ordering the company to provide access to encrypted user data stored on its cloud services worldwide.

Currently, Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) ensures that only users—not even Apple—can access their encrypted data stored in iCloud.

This end-to-end encryption protects user privacy, even in the event of a cloud data breach. However, reports from The Washington Post and BBC suggest that the UK’s order demands a blanket ability to access this data, raising significant privacy concerns.

UK ministers argue that breaking encryption would help protect children, identify criminals, and enhance public safety. However, opponents, including privacy advocates, journalists, and tech experts, warn that it undermines privacy and could expose users’ personal data.

There are concerns that this sets a dangerous precedence, potentially allowing authoritarian governments like China to make similar demands. Additionally, cybersecurity experts fear that any government backdoor could be exploited by bad actors.

The order was reportedly issued under the UK Investigatory Powers Act 2016, which applies to companies operating outside the UK. While Apple can appeal, the process would not be made public, keeping the legal battle behind closed doors. Neither Apple nor the UK Home Office has confirmed or denied the existence of the order.
Source: Sky news