UK Scraps Apple Encryption Backdoor Demand Amid US Pressure

The United Kingdom has reportedly dropped its demand for Apple to create a "backdoor" into its encrypted systems, following significant pressure from the United States government. This decision comes after weeks of private discussions and public statements from U.S. officials, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Vice President JD Vance, who argued the demand infringed upon American civil liberties.

Key Takeaways

• The UK government has abandoned its order compelling Apple to weaken encryption and provide backdoor access.

• U.S. officials, including DNI Tulsi Gabbard and VP JD Vance, engaged in discussions with the UK to protect American civil liberties.

• Apple had previously disabled its Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK in response to the government's demand.

• Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers had expressed strong opposition, threatening to re-evaluate intelligence sharing with the UK.

UK's Encryption Demand

The U.K. Home Office had issued a "technical capability notice" under the Investigatory Powers Act, compelling Apple to provide access to encrypted cloud data, including backups. This order, issued in January 2025, was criticized by privacy advocates and tech companies alike, who warned that such a backdoor could be exploited by malicious actors and authoritarian regimes.

U.S. Response and Bipartisan Opposition

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed the UK's decision, stating that the U.S. government had worked with its UK partners to ensure the protection of American civil liberties. The move followed strong bipartisan opposition from U.S. lawmakers. Senators Ron Wyden and Andy Biggs, among others, had written to DNI Gabbard, urging her to demand the UK rescind the order. They argued that a backdoor would compromise the security of American data and government agencies.

Apple's Stance and Actions

Apple had consistently maintained its policy against building backdoors into its products. In response to the UK's demand, the company had switched off its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for iCloud in the UK earlier in February. Apple stated that it had never built, and would never build, a backdoor or master key for its services. The company also filed a legal challenge against the UK's order.

Diplomatic Implications

The dispute highlighted the ongoing tension between national security interests and digital privacy. The U.S. administration, particularly under President Donald Trump, emphasized the protection of American citizens' data. The resolution of this issue is seen as a move to prevent a significant diplomatic rift between the two close allies. While the UK Home Office declined to comment on operational matters, a spokesperson noted the importance of joint security arrangements with the U.S. to tackle serious threats.

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Sources

• U.K. Government Drops Apple Encryption Backdoor Order After U.S. Civil Liberties Pushback, The Hacker News.

• Gabbard says UK scraps demand for Apple to give backdoor access to data, thereporteronline.

• UK drops Apple encryption demand after U.S. pressure, Cryptopolitan.

• Bipartisan anger at UK's spying backdoor demand, AppleInsider.