The UK government has secretly ordered Apple to weaken its end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for iCloud backups, according to reports. Issued under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (commonly called the “Snoopers’ Charter”), the order demands Apple create a backdoor allowing British security officials to access encrypted data stored on iCloud anywhere in the world.
What Is at Stake?
Apple’s Advanced Data Protection feature ensures that only users—not even Apple—can access their encrypted iCloud backups. This security measure closes a long-used loophole that allowed law enforcement to access cloud-stored data when device encryption prevented direct access.
The UK government argues that E2EE makes digital evidence collection more difficult for criminal investigations and national security operations. However, privacy advocates warn that forcing Apple to introduce a backdoor would put millions of users at risk.
Apple’s Expected Response
Rather than compromise encryption worldwide, Apple is reportedly considering removing iCloud encryption for UK customers altogether. This decision would limit the impact to UK users but highlights growing concerns over government overreach into digital privacy.
This move follows Apple’s previous warnings that the UK’s surveillance laws could threaten the security of FaceTime and iMessage as well.
Global Ramifications of a UK Backdoor
Security experts and privacy advocates warn that if Apple complies, the consequences will extend far beyond the UK. Rebecca Vincent of Big Brother Watch stated that the UK’s “draconian” order would erode fundamental rights and set a precedent for other governments to demand similar access.
Additionally, backdoors designed for government use inevitably attract cybercriminals and hostile nations. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns that such orders create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers, authoritarian regimes, and foreign intelligence agencies.
Lessons from Past Cybersecurity Failures
Recent hacks by China’s Salt Typhoon group, which targeted telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon, highlight the dangers of mandated backdoors. Cybercriminals exploited a legally required backdoor to breach critical networks, proving that “there is no backdoor that only lets in good guys and keeps out bad guys.”
Final Thoughts
Experts urge governments to prioritize security over surveillance. As global cyber threats rise, weakening encryption could have catastrophic consequences for data privacy and national security worldwide. Apple’s next steps will shape the future of encryption and digital rights for millions of users.
