UK Government Demands Backdoor Access to Apple’s Encrypted iCloud Data

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The UK government has issued a secret order requiring Apple to provide access to all encrypted user data stored in iCloud. This directive, delivered through a “technical capability notice” under the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, mandates that Apple create a backdoor for UK security officials to access encrypted information globally.

The Investigatory Powers Act allows law enforcement to compel companies to assist in evidence collection. Critics have labeled it the “Snooper’s Charter” due to its broad surveillance provisions. Apple has previously stated it would prefer to withdraw services like FaceTime and iMessage from the UK rather than compromise user security.

This unprecedented demand raises significant concerns about user privacy and the potential global implications of weakening encryption standards. Privacy advocates warn that creating such backdoors could compromise data security and set a dangerous precedent for government overreach into personal information.
THE VERGE

Source: MacRumors, https://www.macrumors.com/2025/02/07/uk-government-orders-access-icloud/

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