Apple Challenges UK iCloud Backdoor Order

Apple, the US-based technology giant, has launched a second legal challenge against a UK government order to weaken encryption for Apple users in the region. The order, issued in 2025, demands access to encrypted cloud backups of data belonging to British users. Apple maintains it will never build a backdoor or master key, and has taken steps to protect user data.

The move follows a previous legal complaint at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, where Apple pushed back against the UK government's demand for access to encrypted user data. The dispute began in early 2025, when the British government secretly ordered Apple to provide access to data protected by Advanced Data Protection for iCloud users worldwide.

The UK government's demand was initially dropped for American users, but a new order was issued targeting British users. Apple has stopped new UK users from enabling Advanced Data Protection and is now challenging the order in court. The outcome of the case is likely to have significant implications for user data protection and the balance between national security and individual privacy.