UK Renews Push for Apple to Unlock Encrypted iCloud Data
▼ Summary
– The UK government has ordered Apple to create a backdoor for accessing encrypted cloud backups specifically for British users’ data.
– This new demand follows a previous January order for global data access, which caused a diplomatic dispute with the US and threatened trade talks.
– Apple withdrew its Advanced Data Protection service from the UK in February and expressed disappointment about not offering it to UK customers due to privacy concerns.
– Apple maintains it has never built a backdoor into its products and will not do so, while the Home Office states it takes necessary actions to protect UK citizens.
– Privacy advocates warn that forcing Apple to compromise its security could endanger global customers’ private information stored in iCloud.
The UK government has renewed its pressure on Apple to create a method for accessing encrypted iCloud data, specifically targeting information belonging to British users. This latest demand comes despite earlier assertions from the United States that Britain had ceased efforts to undermine the technology company’s security protocols. According to individuals familiar with the situation, the Home Office submitted a request in early September requiring Apple to develop a way for authorities to reach encrypted cloud backups, while clarifying that the mandate would only affect data from UK citizens.
This new order follows a prior technical capability notice issued in January, which sought worldwide access to encrypted user information. That earlier attempt ignited a diplomatic dispute between the UK and US governments and nearly jeopardized negotiations for a trade agreement between the two nations. In response to the ongoing pressure, Apple removed its most secure cloud storage option, iCloud Advanced Data Protection, from the UK market back in February.
Apple confirmed this week that it remains unable to offer Advanced Data Protection to new users in the United Kingdom. The company expressed significant disappointment that British customers cannot access ADP’s security features, particularly as data breaches and privacy threats continue to increase globally. Apple reiterated its longstanding position that it has never constructed any form of backdoor or master key for its products and services, emphasizing that it never plans to do so.
The Home Office declined to comment on operational specifics, including whether any such notices exist, citing standard policy. Officials stated they will consistently take whatever domestic actions they deem necessary to ensure the safety of UK citizens. Both Apple and the Home Office face legal restrictions that prevent them from publicly discussing technical capability notices.
Privacy advocates warn that compelling Apple to weaken its security systems could endanger private information for customers worldwide. Sensitive data including passwords, message histories, and health records, all potentially stored in iCloud, could become vulnerable if encryption standards are compromised.
(Source: Ars Technica)
