Apple Challenges UK iCloud Encryption Backdoor Order

Apple Contests U.K. Data Access Order

Apple is currently disputing a data access order issued by the U.K. government. The case is being heard in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), as reported by the Financial Times.

Order Targets Encrypted iCloud Backups

The order specifically focuses on iCloud backups secured with end-to-end encryption. It seeks to compel Apple to compromise the security of its users’ data.

Government Attempts to Force Backdoor

Leaks last month brought to light the January order, which requested Apple to engineer a backdoor into its encrypted iCloud backups. U.K. authorities are leveraging national security legislation in an effort to gain access to user data in an unencrypted format for law enforcement purposes.

Apple's Response and IPT Challenge

In response, Apple announced the discontinuation of access to the highly encrypted iCloud storage feature for U.K. users. Simultaneously, the company filed a challenge through the IPT.

This legal action demonstrates Apple’s proactive stance in attempting to reverse the order targeting its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature. The company is also considering withdrawing the security offering from the U.K. market entirely.

Global Implications of the Order

Notably, Apple continues to provide strongly encrypted iCloud backups in other regions. However, the U.K. government contends that Apple has not fully complied, even after disabling the feature within the U.K., as the order reportedly aimed to access data from users globally.

Potential Landmark Case

According to the Financial Times, this situation may represent the first instance of the U.K.’s encryption-breaking powers being formally challenged before the IPT. It is anticipated that the proceedings will be conducted privately.

Apple's Stance Remains Firm

Apple has refrained from issuing a new statement regarding this development. A company spokesperson instead referenced previous remarks made last month.

At that time, Apple expressed its “grave disappointment” over the loss of access to the security feature for its U.K. user base.