The UK government has revived its push for access to Apple users' encrypted cloud data, focusing exclusively on the records of British citizens. This renewed demand, reported by the Financial Times, marks a more targeted but nonetheless contentious continuation of earlier efforts that had sought a broader reach, including American data users. The move is expected to aggravate tensions in the transatlantic relationship, as Washington remains highly critical of foreign governments attempting to impose regulations on Silicon Valley firms.

The current request from the UK Home Office seeks to compel Apple to provide a “back door” for law enforcement to access encrypted iCloud data of UK users when legally required. The concept of a back door — which would bypass Apple’s end-to-end encryption — had prompted significant resistance from the tech giant, which prioritises strong privacy protections and has consistently opposed any form of surreptitious access to user data. Earlier this year, after reports that such a demand had been issued under the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act (commonly known as the “snoopers’ charter”), Apple ceased offering its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) encryption feature in the UK altogether. ADP was the company's most sophisticated form of end-to-end encryption for iCloud data, designed to prevent even Apple from accessing users' information.

While Apple has publicly stated that it has “never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and never will,” the UK government’s renewed approach comes after months of high-level diplomatic discussions. Previously, US intelligence officials, including Director Tulsi Gabbard, revealed that the UK had dropped an earlier broad demand after intervention from US leadership, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Gabbard had criticised the UK’s initial request on civil liberties grounds, particularly its impact on Americans' data privacy rights. However, it seems the UK has since refined its request to concentrate solely on British users, a move that Apple views as directly affecting its commitment to privacy.

Industry observers note that Apple’s decision to disable ADP in the UK represents a significant compromise forced by regulatory pressure. While some sensitive data like iCloud Keychain passwords, Health app data, and iMessage communications remain encrypted by default, the removal of ADP leaves other categories of user data potentially more vulnerable to government access. Critics argue that this sets a dangerous precedent, undermining encryption's role in protecting user privacy and security more broadly. Conversely, UK officials maintain that their requests are grounded in national security needs and law enforcement capabilities.

Apple’s stance reflects broader tensions between technology providers championing strong encryption as a fundamental right and governments seeking tools to counter criminal and security threats. The latest UK demand underscores ongoing international debates about balancing privacy, technological innovation, and regulatory oversight. Despite the heightened disputes, neither the UK Home Office nor Apple has fully commented on the operational specifics of the new request, emphasizing the sensitivity of the issue.

As this situation develops, it highlights the delicate position technology companies occupy in the governance of digital privacy and state security. The balance between enabling lawful access and safeguarding robust encryption frameworks remains a highly contested domain, central to the future of internet privacy.

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Source: Noah Wire Services