U.K. Demands Apple Build Backdoor To Access Users’ Encrypted Data Worldwide

The British government has secretly ordered Apple to provide unrestricted access to its encrypted cloud backups, a move that could compromise user privacy worldwide.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the demand—issued under the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act—requires Apple to create a backdoor for law enforcement, not just for targeted accounts but for all users globally, as first reported by The Washington Post.

Apple, known for its strong stance on privacy, is likely to withdraw encrypted storage services in the UK rather than comply, sources said.

However, this decision would not address the UK’s demand for access in other regions, including the United States. The company has not publicly commented on the matter, said The Post.

The order, known as a Technical Capability Notice, forces companies to provide access to encrypted data upon request. Under UK law, it is a criminal offense to disclose such demands. Apple does have an option to appeal the order, but the process does not allow delays in compliance, as reported by The Post.

In anticipation of this move, Apple warned UK lawmakers last March that forcing backdoor access would set a dangerous precedent.

“There is no reason why the U.K. [government] should have the authority to decide for citizens of the world whether they can avail themselves of the proven security benefits that flow from end-to-end encryption,” the company stated, as reported by The Post.

Privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts have condemned the UK’s actions. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) criticized the demand, warning that if the US allows Britain to force Apple’s compliance, “would be unconscionable and an unmitigated disaster for Americans’ privacy and our national security,” as reported by The Post.

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and UK authorities, argue that encryption enables criminals and terrorists to evade detection, said The Post.

Tech companies, however, have long resisted such demands, citing concerns that security weaknesses introduced for governments could also be exploited by cybercriminals and authoritarian regimes, as reported by The Post.

Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, launched in 2022, provides users with end-to-end encryption for cloud storage, meaning even Apple cannot access the data. While most users do not enable this feature, it prevents governments from secretly accessing stored messages, photos, and other sensitive data.

If the UK succeeds in forcing Apple to comply, it may embolden other nations, including China, to demand similar access. This could lead Apple to withdraw encrypted cloud services globally rather than risk compromising user privacy.