British authorities have engaged in private discussions with U.S. officials to address concerns that the UK might be pressuring Apple to create a backdoor into Americans' encrypted data, as reported by Bloomberg News on March 13. Last month, Apple removed its most-advanced security encryption for cloud data, known as Advanced Data Protection, in response to government data access requests.
This decision grants Apple access to iCloud backups, including iMessages, under certain circumstances and upon legal compulsion, a capability not feasible with end-to-end encryption enabled, where even Apple cannot access the data. Apple and the UK's Home Office have not yet responded to Reuters' request for comments.
The conflict between governments and tech companies over strong encryption to safeguard consumer communications, seen as a hurdle by authorities for mass surveillance and law enforcement efforts, has been prolonged. The UK's demands are notably broad.
Previous reports highlighted a request from the UK to Apple to provide a "backdoor" for government access to encrypted cloud storage systems. In a letter dated February 25, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard informed two U.S. lawmakers about an investigation into potential violations of the CLOUD Act by the UK government that prohibits demands for U.S. citizens' data and vice versa.
Gabbard's office could not be reached for immediate comment. Apple's appeal against the UK order is scheduled for a confidential hearing on Friday at London's High Court, as per BBC's report.