UK Government Orders Apple Backdoor for iCloud, Activists Challenge

The U.K. government's secret order demanding Apple create a backdoor for its iCloud service has sparked legal challenges from civil rights groups Liberty and Privacy International, who argue the order is disproportionate and could undermine end-to-end encryption that protects users' privacy globally. Apple is contesting the order, formally known as a Technical Capability Notice (TCN), in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), which is expected to hear the case in a closed session. The TCN could allow U.K. authorities access to encrypted data, prompting Apple to withdraw its Advanced Data Protection feature for U.K. users. Privacy advocates are calling for public hearings due to the potential widespread implications for data protection. The situation has garnered attention from the U.S. government, raising concerns about the U.K.'s compliance with international data privacy standards. As the legal battle unfolds, the implications for Apple's global user base and the future of encryption remain uncertain.