Apple issues new challenge against UK order for access to private user data
Apple has launched a fresh legal complaint in the UK over government demands to access highly encrypted user data.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Apple files a new legal complaint at a UK tribunal handling covert surveillance objections
- The dispute centers on Home Office demands for backdoor access to encrypted data
- The government argues access is vital for public protection and law enforcement
- Apple withdrew its Advanced Data Protection feature for new UK users in February 2025
Apple has confirmed the launch of a brand-new legal complaint against the UK government at a tribunal that handles objections regarding the use of covert surveillance powers. While the technology giant has not disclosed specific details of the complaint to BBC News, the Financial Times has reported that the action marks another challenge against a Home Office demand for so-called backdoor access to heavily encrypted user information.
The ongoing row, which revolves around the government's ambition to inspect material secured by advanced data protection systems that even Apple cannot unlock, has persisted since early 2025. The government stated it would not comment on active legal proceedings or operational matters, though an official statement added that the UK supports robust privacy protections while maintaining that law enforcement agencies must retain proportionate access to communications to protect the public from terrorism, serious crimes, and child sexual abuse.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Apple has directed inquiries back to a statement released last year following its initial challenge against the UK's request. The company expressed deep disappointment that it remains unable to offer its Advanced Data Protection feature to new UK users after pulling the functionality in February 2025. Apple reiterated its long-standing stance, emphasizing that it has never built a backdoor or master key into any products or services and will never do so.
End-to-end encryption serves as a fundamental pillar of digital privacy and security. Governments frequently push for special access mechanisms to combat illicit activities, but security experts continuously warn that introducing exceptions or backdoors for authorities inevitably weakens the overall cryptographic architecture, creating vulnerabilities that malicious actors could exploit.
Advanced Data Protection is an optional feature enabling users to apply heightened security to iCloud data such as device backups, Drive storage, photos, and voice memos. Secured via end-to-end encryption, the contents remain completely inaccessible to outside parties, including Apple. Government requests forcing access under this framework were issued through the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which grants authorities the power to issue secret technical capability notices compelling companies to facilitate customer data retrieval for security services.
The UK government previously fought unsuccessfully to keep legal challenges surrounding its initial notice confidential. That specific notice was later withdrawn following backlash from US lawmakers concerned over potential impacts on American citizens' data privacy. A subsequent request was issued in October, omitting applicability to US users. Privacy advocacy groups have welcomed Apple's latest legal challenge, warning that compromising encryption creates wide-ranging risks to personal data, banking details, health records, and private communications.
Source: BBC Business
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