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