Tue, 19 Aug 2025

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 UK backs down in Apple privacy row, US says

UK authorities have demanded access to Apple users' protected files when required for investigations.
The US Director of National Intelligence claims that the UK has withdrawn its demand for access to encrypted Apple user data worldwide. This means that the UK will no longer have a "back door" to encrypted data, which was seen as an infringement on civil liberties. However, it's unclear whether this decision is final or if there are ongoing negotiations between the US and UK governments. The BBC has not received any formal confirmation of this from either government. Apple had refused to comply with the demand, citing its commitment to protecting user privacy. Instead, the company withdrew its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature from the UK market and began a legal challenge against the order. Privacy campaigners have welcomed the news, calling it "hugely welcome" and a victory for those who value secure communications.
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