Apple has filed a new legal challenge in the UK over a government demand seeking access to encrypted user data, according to multiple reports. The dispute focuses on a UK request for Apple to enable “backdoor” access so authorities can view data uploaded by Apple users when required, including for law enforcement investigations. Apple says it has never built a backdoor or master key for its products or services and does not plan to do so.
Reporting says Apple’s filing is made through a UK legal route involving the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, after the latest demand by UK authorities. Earlier, the UK had sought broader access that would cover data from British and American users, but it later dropped that initial request, following tensions with the United States. Later reporting indicates the UK shifted to a narrower request focused on access to British users’ encrypted data, which Apple is now challenging.
The background includes Apple disabling its most advanced end-to-end encryption feature for British users in February 2025. Civil rights and privacy advocates, as well as cybersecurity professionals, argue that strong encryption protects against both unlawful access and hacking, while some police officials argue encryption can hinder investigations even with warrants.
