Apple Faces UK Government Demand for Encrypted iCloud Backdoor

Apple has reportedly been ordered by the UK government to create a backdoor allowing security officials access to users’ encrypted iCloud backups. This order, issued under the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act of 2016 (often called the “Snoopers’ Charter”), would grant access not only to British users but to iCloud backups worldwide. Moreover, Apple would be prohibited from informing users if their encryption was compromised.

Apple introduced end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups in 2022 with its Advanced Data Protection feature, which must be enabled manually. Under the UK’s demand, Apple would have to provide blanket access to all encrypted backups rather than targeting specific accounts. In response, Apple is expected to remove Advanced Data Protection from the UK, though this alone wouldn’t satisfy the government’s request for global access.

The company has the right to appeal, arguing the demand is disproportionate and costly, but this wouldn’t delay implementation. Additionally, revealing the existence of such an order is a criminal offense under UK law. Apple has previously resisted similar attempts to undermine encryption, stating that no government should decide on behalf of global citizens whether they can benefit from secure communication.

This move has broader implications. If Apple complies, other governments—including the U.S. and China—could demand similar access. Tech companies like Google and Meta, which also provide encrypted backups, may face similar pressures in the future. Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts continue to advocate for strong encryption to protect users from cyber threats, raising concerns over the precedent such a decision could set for digital privacy worldwide.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/02/07/apple-encryption-backdoor-uk/