The dispute originated in January when British authorities issued a secret order requiring Apple to grant access to encrypted files from users worldwide. Apple countered by restricting the rollout of its Advanced Data Protection service for new UK subscribers and successfully litigated for the right to disclose the case publicly. Washington eventually launched a formal review to determine if the order breached the CLOUD Act, which prohibits the UK and US from unilaterally demanding data held by the other nation's citizens.
UK Abandons Effort to Force Apple iCloud Backdoor
The United Kingdom has rescinded its demand for Apple to provide backdoor access to encrypted iCloud user data, a move confirmed Monday by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The decision follows months of diplomatic friction over whether the British mandate violated the bilateral CLOUD Act agreement between the two nations.
Faced with mounting pressure from the White House and the Vice President, British officials reportedly sought a tactical retreat. One unnamed UK official told the Financial Times that the government felt backed into a corner, prompting the shift in policy. While the immediate threat to Apple’s encryption protocols has subsided, it remains uncertain whether the UK will attempt to negotiate alternative terms that skirt the protections afforded to US citizens.
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