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British security officials have demanded Apple create a “back door” that would allow them to access encrypted cloud content from Apple users worldwide, according to a Washington Post report.
The previously undisclosed order, issued last month through a technical capability notice under the UK Investigatory Powers Act 2016, would require Apple to provide blanket access to fully encrypted material rather than just assistance with specific accounts, sources told the newspaper.
Rather than compromise its security promises to users globally, Apple is expected to withdraw encrypted storage services from the UK market entirely, according to people familiar with the matter speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
“There is no reason why the UK [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,” Apple told Parliament in March when anticipating such a requirement.
The UK Home Office declined to comment specifically on the order, with a spokesman stating: “We do not comment on operational matters, including for example confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.”
The order concerns Apple’s Advanced Data Protection option, introduced in 2022, which provides cloud storage that only users can unlock. While not enabled by default, this service offers enhanced protection from hacking and limits law enforcement’s routine access to users’ photos, messages and other material.
The implications of the UK demand extend beyond British borders. Sources suggest Apple would be prohibited from informing users about any compromise to its advanced encryption. Additionally, if the UK succeeds in securing such access, other countries that have permitted encrypted storage, including China, might demand similar backdoor access.
This development marks the latest chapter in an ongoing debate between tech companies and governments over encryption. While law enforcement agencies argue that encryption enables criminals to hide their activities, tech firms maintain that backdoors compromise user privacy and can be exploited by both criminals and authoritarian regimes.
Under the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act, commonly known as the “Snoopers’ Charter”, it is considered a criminal offence to disclose that the government has made such demands. While Apple can appeal the capability notice, the law does not allow the company to delay compliance during the appeal process.
