Apple Challenges UK's Secretive Encryption Crackdown

Apple Challenges UK's Secretive Encryption Crackdown
  • Apple is appealing a UK order that would give the government access to encrypted iCloud files
  • The order targets Apple's Advanced Data Protection option, which uses end-to-end encryption
  • Apple has stopped offering Advanced Data Protection in the UK in response to the order
  • The company is seeking to have the order quashed, citing concerns over user privacy and security
  • The Investigatory Powers Tribunal will consider the case and may order the notice to be quashed if it is found to be unlawful

Apple's Appeal Against the UK Order

Apple has filed an appeal with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal against a secret UK order that would require the company to provide access to encrypted iCloud files. The order, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, targets Apple's Advanced Data Protection option, which uses end-to-end encryption to secure backups.

The UK government has not confirmed or denied the existence of the order, but Apple has stopped offering Advanced Data Protection in the UK in response. The company is now seeking to have the order quashed, citing concerns over user privacy and security.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal will consider whether the UK's notice to Apple was lawful and could order it to be quashed if it is found to be unlawful. The case may be heard as soon as this month.