UK Abandons Plans for Apple Encryption Backdoor Amid US Pressure
Earlier this year, the UK government issued an order demanding access to user data, prompting Apple to remove its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature from its secure cloud storage. While Apple’s standard encryption allows access with a warrant, ADP represents the company’s highest level of privacy protection, preventing even Apple from accessing user data through its opt-in security feature. The UK sought this access under the premise of addressing national security threats. In response, Apple expressed disappointment over the removal of ADP, emphasising its commitment to user security and privacy.
Recently, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced that the UK has backed down from its demand for a “back door” into Apple’s encryption. Gabbard stated that she had been collaborating with UK partners, alongside US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, to safeguard Americans’ private data and uphold their constitutional rights. As a result of these efforts, the UK agreed to withdraw its mandate for Apple to provide access to protected encrypted data, which would have infringed upon civil liberties. While the UK government has yet to comment on this development, the situation highlights ongoing tensions between national security and user privacy.
Categories: Data Privacy, Government Surveillance, Encryption Security
Tags: Data, Access, Encryption, Protection, Security, Order, Backdoor, Privacy, Government, Liberty