UK Drops Apple ‘Backdoor’ Requirement Following US Pushback

The UK had previously required Apple to turn off its top-tier cloud encryption earlier this year.

The UK has decided to abandon its push to require Apple Inc. to create a “backdoor” to access US users’ encrypted data, easing tensions as both nations work toward finalizing a broader trade agreement. The decision marks a retreat from a controversial mandate that had sparked concerns over privacy and civil liberties.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed on Monday that British authorities rescinded the order, which had previously sought to compel Apple to bypass encryption to aid national security and criminal investigations. The mandate had drawn strong objections from senior US officials and prompted Apple to temporarily remove its most advanced encrypted cloud security features in the UK.

Gabbard stated that the UK agreed to drop the backdoor requirement, emphasizing that it would have infringed on the protected data of American citizens. She credited the decision to support from President Donald Trump and his deputy, JD Vance, and noted that the announcement received backing from Elon Musk, who has frequently criticized UK efforts to regulate online platforms.

The UK government declined to comment on “operational matters,” including the existence of any orders, but reiterated that joint security and intelligence arrangements with the US remain in place to address major threats. Analysts view the move as part of London’s broader effort to resolve multiple disputes with Washington and secure tariff relief while engaging in high-level diplomatic discussions, including those related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.