UK Drops Demand for Apple Encryption Backdoor After US Pressure

The United Kingdom has reportedly reversed its controversial demand for Apple to provide “backdoor” access to encrypted user data on its iCloud service. The significant policy shift was announced by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who confirmed ongoing collaboration between US and UK officials, including the White House, to safeguard American citizens’ private data and constitutional liberties.

Gabbard stated that the UK agreed to abandon its mandate, which would have allowed access to protected encrypted data and potentially compromised civil liberties. This development follows a secret order issued by the UK in January, demanding backdoor access to encrypted files globally. In response, Apple halted new sign-ups for its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) iCloud storage in the UK and successfully challenged the order to discuss the case publicly in April.

US scrutiny intensified earlier this year, with officials examining whether the UK’s order violated the bilateral CLOUD Act agreement, which prohibits mutual demands for data. Reports last month indicated Britain was seeking an exit strategy from its demands, acknowledging it was “against the wall.” While the order is now reportedly removed, it remains uncertain if Apple will reinstate its ADP service in the UK. Apple has been contacted for comment, while the UK Home Office has declined to respond.

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