Apple issues new challenge against UK order for access to private user data

📰 source: bbc_business · 💼 business

apple has launched a new legal complaint against the uk government at the investigatory powers tribunal, which handles challenges to covert surveillance powers. the complaint is reported to target a home office demand for backdoor access to encrypted apple user data, a dispute that has simmered since early 2025 over the government's wish to view content protected by end-to-end encryption - data that even apple itself cannot access.

apple withdrew its advanced data protection feature for new uk users in february 2025 after the first secret notice. that notice was later dropped following backlash from us politicians, but a new request was issued in october, this time excluding us users. privacy international and liberty both welcomed apple's challenge, calling it vital for protecting privacy rights. apple restated that it has never built a backdoor and never will. the government declined to comment on operational matters but reiterated that law enforcement needs proportional access to fight terrorism and serious crime.

why it matters: apple's challenge to secret uk surveillance orders could set precedent for government access to encrypted user data in the uk and beyond.

source: bbc_business
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