UK drops Apple data access demand

Tulsi Gabbard claims the UK has ended its bid for backdoor access to encrypted Apple data.

UK drops demand for Apple data access

The dispute began when the UK Home Office issued a technical capability notice under the Investigatory Powers Act, asking Apple to help access customer data. Apple challenged the order in court and later removed the option for some UK users to enable certain data protection features, saying it would not build a backdoor into its services.

Tulsi Gabbard said the UK had dropped the demand for backdoor access, a claim the Home Office did not confirm. The episode highlighted ongoing tensions between privacy protections and cross border security cooperation, as well as how allies handle sensitive technological tools in a changing security landscape.

Encryption is at the heart of this debate, not just a technical choice. A backdoor would create security weaknesses and could put activists, journalists and minority groups at risk, undermining trust in digital services used by millions.

The episode points to a broader pattern: governments want access while tech companies push for strong protections. If this outcome stands, it may signal a shift toward firmer respect for encryption in allied partnerships, but the lack of clarity about any notices leaves room for future disputes and possible new demands.

Highlights

The story may evolve as cooperation and privacy safeguards are redefined in real time.