UK's Apple iCloud encryption fight could lead to similar demands elsewhere

Apple's encryption fight in the United Kingdom could be the least of its worries, with industry observers fearful that other governments around the world will also try to weaken encryption on security grounds.Advanced Data Protection, which encrypts iCloud data, has been pulled in the UKIn the U.K., the government has attempted to force Apple to destroy the security of iCloud by providing it with a backdoor. While Apple has fought back, the incident can have a considerable chilling effect on digital security elsewhere in the world, regardless of whether or not the U.K. government gets its way.The legal fight, which has already seen Apple disable Advanced Data Protection in the country, resulted in a secret hearing over the order. The behind-closed-doors nature of the courtroom battle led to calls from privacy advocates and even the U.S. government, demanding the details of the hearing to be made public. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Mar 19, 2025 - 14:27
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UK's Apple iCloud encryption fight could lead to similar demands elsewhere
Apple's encryption fight in the United Kingdom could be the least of its worries, with industry observers fearful that other governments around the world will also try to weaken encryption on security grounds.

Smartphone screen with Advanced Data Protection message explaining iCloud encryption benefits, including device and message backup. Background is a gradient of blue shades.
Advanced Data Protection, which encrypts iCloud data, has been pulled in the UK

In the U.K., the government has attempted to force Apple to destroy the security of iCloud by providing it with a backdoor. While Apple has fought back, the incident can have a considerable chilling effect on digital security elsewhere in the world, regardless of whether or not the U.K. government gets its way.

The legal fight, which has already seen Apple disable Advanced Data Protection in the country, resulted in a secret hearing over the order. The behind-closed-doors nature of the courtroom battle led to calls from privacy advocates and even the U.S. government, demanding the details of the hearing to be made public.


Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums