tech
Apple launches legal challenge against UK government demand to access data
The Home Office has made a fresh request for ‘back door’ access to encrypted iCloud data belonging to British users
TL;DR
- Apple has filed a new legal challenge against a UK government demand for access to encrypted customer data.
- The challenge is lodged at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) and questions the government's power to issue 'technical capability notices' (TCNs).
- The UK government had previously dropped a similar request after a transatlantic dispute over encryption.
- The Investigatory Powers Act allows authorities to compel companies to provide access to encrypted data for cases involving terrorism and child sexual abuse.
- Privacy groups like Privacy International and Liberty are also involved in challenging TCNs.
- Apple argues that creating a 'back door' would make user data more vulnerable to breaches and threats.
- Apple withdrew UK customers' access to its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) program in January 2025.