Lawyer slams UK silence over Apple data access demand as farcical

• UK issued an order in January 2024 for access to encrypted cloud backups of US and British citizens; after negotiations, a second UK-only order was issued in July 2025
• Apple withdrew its Advanced Data Protection feature for UK users in February 2025, stating it would 'never build a back door' due to risks that hackers or hostile states could exploit such entry points
• Campaign groups Privacy International and Liberty argue the government's secrecy policy has 'become farcical' since US officials and UK sources have already publicly referenced the orders

Summary: UK-Apple Encryption Dispute Escalates Over Data Access Demands

A London tribunal heard arguments Thursday regarding the British government's refusal to confirm whether it issued orders requiring Apple to create encryption "back doors" for accessing user data. Civil rights lawyers called the government's silence "farcical."

Key Timeline and Facts:

• January 2024: UK issued first Technical Capability Notice (TCN) demanding back door access to encrypted cloud backups of US and UK citizens
• First order dropped after negotiations with US officials
• July 2024: Second TCN issued, applying only to UK Apple customers
• February 2024: Apple withdrew its Advanced Data Protection feature for UK users in response

Parties Involved:

• Apple: Challenging the order at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, maintaining it will never build a back door due to security risks from hackers and hostile states
• Civil rights groups: Privacy International and Liberty have filed separate legal challenges, arguing the order violates human rights and weakens security
• UK Government: Maintains "neither confirm nor deny" (NCND) policy on security matters, claiming disclosure would assist hostile actors

Core Arguments:

The government insists it needs access to prevent terror attacks and that confirming TCNs poses national security risks. Apple and campaigners argue the NCND policy prevents open justice and meaningful public debate, noting US politicians and UK sources have already publicly referenced the notices.

Market Implications:

The dispute affects Apple's ability to offer full encryption services to UK customers, potentially impacting its competitive position in privacy-conscious markets. A full tribunal hearing is expected in 2025, with ruling on the secrecy issue pending.