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UK and US Engage in Private Talks to Resolve Apple Encryption Dispute

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British officials have been in private discussions with U.S. counterparts to resolve concerns surrounding the UK’s demand that Apple build a backdoor into its encrypted data, according to a Bloomberg News report on Thursday. This follows Apple’s decision last month to remove its Advanced Data Protection security feature for cloud data in the UK, a move that has raised concerns about the potential for government access to sensitive information.

The removal of this encryption feature allows Apple to access iCloud backups, including iMessages, in specific situations, which it can then hand over to authorities if legally required. Previously, with end-to-end encryption enabled, even Apple itself could not access users’ data. This shift marks a significant response to government demands for easier access to encrypted user data.

The UK’s Home Office and Apple have not responded to requests for comment. Governments and tech giants have long been in a standoff over strong encryption, with authorities often viewing it as an obstacle to surveillance and crime-fighting. However, the UK’s demands are seen as particularly expansive.

In response to the situation, U.S. officials are investigating whether the UK’s actions violate agreements between the two countries. A letter sent on February 25 by U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard indicated that the U.S. is examining whether the UK violated the CLOUD Act, which restricts foreign governments from making requests for data on U.S. citizens.

On Friday, Apple’s appeal against the UK’s order will be heard in a secret hearing at London’s High Court

Italy Tests Starlink Antennas in Embassies, No National Security Deal Yet

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Italy has begun testing Starlink antennas in four of its embassies globally, marking an early experiment in securing communications for government officials, but has not yet entered into any formal national security contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink. According to Luca Ciriani, the country’s Minister for Parliamentary Relations, the antennas are part of trials to test their functionality but are not currently active for official communication.

The right-wing government of Italy is exploring solutions to guarantee encrypted communications between diplomats and defense officials, particularly in high-risk regions. Starlink has emerged as one of the potential providers, but the government’s discussions with Musk’s company have raised concerns. Critics, particularly opposition politicians, have voiced strong opposition, questioning the prudence of allowing a foreign businessman with ties to U.S. President Donald Trump to handle a sensitive aspect of the nation’s security.

As of now, the antennas have been installed in embassies in Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Lebanon, and Iran, but none have been used for active communication. The government confirmed that the antennas were only activated for testing purposes, with plans to suspend and potentially reactivate them when needed.

Ciriani emphasized that the antennas would not be used to transmit classified information and that Italy has not entrusted any critical infrastructure to Starlink. The trials have been conducted through third-party contracts, not a direct agreement between Italy and SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink.

Starlink, with a constellation of 6,700 satellites, is the leading player in the satellite communications industry. However, Eutelsat, a Franco-British competitor managing around 650 low Earth orbit satellites, is also in discussions with the Italian government. Reports suggest that Italy is considering a potential five-year contract worth 1.5 billion euros ($1.63 billion) for satellite communication services.

Eutelsat Competes for Secure Satellite Telecoms Contract in Italy

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Eutelsat, a Franco-British satellite operator, is reportedly in discussions with the Italian government to provide secure satellite communication systems, a move that places it in direct competition with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The Italian government is seeking to ensure encrypted communications between officials, diplomats, and defense personnel working in high-risk areas. Sources close to the matter confirmed that Eutelsat, alongside Starlink, is being considered for the contract, which is critical to Italy’s national security.

The involvement of Eutelsat has not been previously disclosed, highlighting Europe’s desire to establish alternatives to Starlink, which currently dominates the satellite communication sector. This interest in European alternatives comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine, where Starlink’s role has become more contentious.

Eutelsat, which merged with OneWeb in 2023, operates a constellation of around 650 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. While its satellite network is smaller than Starlink’s 6,700 active satellites, Eutelsat’s shares have surged recently due to ongoing discussions with the European Union regarding internet access for Ukraine.

The company has confirmed its regular engagement with European governments to provide secure satellite communication services. However, Eutelsat declined to comment specifically on its talks with Italy, citing confidentiality.

The Italian government has expressed concerns about relying on foreign companies for sensitive national security contracts. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has faced criticism for considering Starlink, especially given its ties to Elon Musk, who is also a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump. While no contract has been signed with Starlink, Italy is considering alternatives, including developing its own low-orbit satellites. However, progress on this front has been slow, with delays in the EU’s IRIS² satellite project.

Reports suggest that Italy may consider a deal with Starlink worth 1.5 billion euros ($1.61 billion) over five years, although no agreement has been finalized.