It is reported that the British government has asked Apple to create a 'backdoor to access all user data'

British security authorities have reportedly asked Apple to create a backdoor that would allow them to retrieve all content uploaded to the cloud by Apple users around the world.

UK orders Apple to let it spy on users' encrypted accounts - The Washington Post

According to a report by the Washington Post, citing sources, the UK Home Secretary's office has sent Apple a 'technical capabilities notice' ordering it to provide backdoor access to encrypted iCloud storage under the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016.

The Investigatory Powers Act allows law enforcement agencies to compel companies to cooperate when evidence gathering is necessary. The Investigatory Powers Act is also intended to have extraterritorial application, meaning that it can be used to request services provided in countries other than the UK. The Technical Capabilities Notice calls for backdoor access to encrypted storage provided to users not only in the UK but also in other countries, including the US.

According to the Washington Post, Apple could appeal the request to a judge to determine whether it was reasonable, convening a technical committee to consider the costs of complying with the request under the Investigatory Powers Act, but Apple would not be allowed to delay responding while the appeal is pending.

When the Investigatory Powers Act amendments were debated in March 2024, Apple mentioned the possibility of legal demands and strongly opposed the move, saying , 'The UK government does not have the power to prevent people around the world from enjoying the proven security benefits of end-to-end encryption.'

The advanced data protection is cloud storage that even Apple cannot unlock, and its launch in the United States has been delayed due to opposition from the FBI. Apple and many privacy advocates have repeatedly criticized the government's demand for a backdoor into encrypted systems, arguing that it violates the security and privacy of all users.

Meredith Whittaker, president of encrypted messaging app Signal, said: 'Using a Technical Capabilities Notice to weaken the security of encrypted storage provided around the world is outrageous and would put the UK in the tech ostracism spotlight. If implemented, this requirement would create weak cybersecurity that would damage the global economy.'

The Washington Post noted that 'Apple is likely to stop offering encrypted storage in the UK rather than break security promises it has made to users around the world, but such a concession would not satisfy Britain's demands for backdoor access to the service in other countries.'

The Investigatory Powers Act also makes it illegal to reveal the fact that a government request has been made, so an Apple spokesperson declined to comment.