UK Withdraws Demand for Apple Encrypted Data Access

The United Kingdom has agreed to withdraw its controversial demand for Apple to provide a backdoor to access encrypted user data, following extensive negotiations involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The UK’s initial request, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act, sought access to encrypted iCloud data globally, which Apple resisted by removing its Advanced Data Protection feature from the UK market and legally challenging the order. Apple emphasized that it has never built, nor will build, backdoors or master keys to its products, highlighting the technical impossibility of accessing end-to-end encrypted data. U.S. officials viewed the UK demand as an infringement on American civil liberties and exerted significant pressure resulting in the UK retreating from the mandate, though formal withdrawal is pending. The dispute raised concerns about privacy and surveillance, with the UK seeking access to encrypted data to combat terrorism and child sexual abuse, but the move was seen as potentially compromising the security of American citizens’ data. Both governments have kept many details secret due to legal restrictions, and Apple has yet to receive formal communication about the withdrawal.