In an unprecedented move, the British government has ordered Apple to create a backdoor that would give UK security officials worldwide access to users' encrypted iCloud backups. The secret order, issued in March 2024, would affect all Apple users globally, not just those in the UK.
Based on the UK's Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, commonly known as the "Snoopers' Charter," the directive demands blanket access to end-to-end encrypted files uploaded by any user worldwide. Under the order's terms, Apple would be prohibited from alerting users about compromised encryption.
The order arrives as a "technical capability notice" - a document that makes it illegal to even disclose its existence. While Apple can appeal based on implementation costs and security requirements, such an appeal cannot delay executing the original order.
Apple introduced Advanced Data Protection in 2022 as an optional feature providing end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups. The company is expected to discontinue this service in the UK rather than comply with demands for global access.
"There is no reason why the UK should have the authority to decide for citizens of the world whether they can avail themselves of the proven security benefits that flow from end-to-end encryption," Apple stated to British parliament in March 2024.
UK officials maintain that end-to-end encryption hampers law enforcement efforts against serious crimes. However, other intelligence agencies, including the US NSA and FBI, have recently advocated for encryption as protection against foreign cyber threats.
If Apple yields to UK demands, experts suggest other nations may seek similar access rights. This could force Apple and other tech companies like Google and Meta, who offer encrypted services, to choose between compliance and discontinuing encryption features entirely.
The outcome of this confrontation could reshape the future of digital privacy and set precedents for government access to encrypted data worldwide.