The British government has reportedly directed Apple to grant unrestricted access to encrypted user data stored on iCloud, an escalation of surveillance demands by major democracies.
The directive, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, compels Apple to provide blanket access rather than assistance in specific cases.
According to sources cited by The Washington Post, the order was issued last month and demands a technical “backdoor” to Apple’s encrypted storage. This has led to talks about user privacy and data security, as Apple has long maintained that it does not have access to user data encrypted with its Advanced Data Protection feature.
Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, introduced in 2022, extends end-to-end encryption to a wider range of iCloud data, including photos, messages, and backups. This ensures that only the user has access, making it impossible for Apple—or any government—to retrieve the information.
The UK government’s demand contradicts Apple’s long-standing position against weakening encryption. In the past, Apple has resisted similar pressure, notably in 2016 when it refused a U.S. government request to unlock an iPhone linked to a mass shooting in San Bernardino.
Apple has not publicly responded to the UK order, and the Home Office has declined to confirm or deny the existence of such a directive. A spokesperson for the Home Office stated, “We do not comment on operational matters, including, for example, confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.”
If Apple refuses to comply, it may withdraw Advanced Data Protection from the UK market entirely, similar to its stance in previous cases involving government surveillance demands. However, this would not satisfy UK officials, as they are reportedly seeking access to encrypted data from users worldwide.
Other platforms, including WhatsApp and Signal, have also resisted government attempts to sabotage encryption, arguing that such measures compromise security for all users.
