Apple files court challenge to UK 'backdoor creation order'

British government security authorities have asked Apple to provide backdoor access to highly encrypted iCloud storage. Apple, which has refused the request, has reportedly filed a complaint with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, an independent judicial body that reviews complaints against UK law enforcement agencies, arguing that the requests are unlawful.

Apple launches legal challenge to UK 'back door' order
https://www.ft.com/content/3d8fe709-f17a-44a6-97ae-f1bbe6d0dccd

Apple reportedly challenges the UK's secretive encryption crackdown | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/news/623977/apple-uk-encryption-order-appeal

Apple Fights UK's Demand for iCloud Data Backdoor - MacRumors
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/03/04/apple-legal-complaint-uk-backdoor/

In the UK, the Investigatory Powers Act came into force in 2016, allowing law enforcement agencies to compel companies to cooperate in collecting evidence. This Investigatory Powers Act can also be used to request services provided in countries other than the UK, and it has been reported that UK government authorities have used this act to order Apple to provide backdoor access to its iCloud storage.

British government reportedly asks Apple to create 'backdoor to access all user data' - GIGAZINE

The ' Advanced Data Storage ' feature offered by Apple on iCloud is a feature that protects data stored in iCloud with end-to-end encryption, so even Apple cannot view the data. If Apple were to provide backdoor access as instructed by the UK government authorities, the reliability of the 'Advanced Data Storage' service itself would be reduced, so Apple refused the request of the UK government authorities and stopped offering 'Advanced Data Storage' in the UK.

Apple to end 'Advanced Data Protection' feature in the UK - GIGAZINE

According to the Financial Times, Apple has filed a complaint with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal against the UK government authorities. This is the first time that the Investigatory Powers Act provisions have been examined, and if the court rules in favor of Apple, the order to create backdoor access could be set aside.

The trial is expected to begin as early as March 2025, but it is unclear whether the proceedings will ultimately be made public.

In addition, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, said in a letter that the US is investigating whether UK government authorities' request to Apple to create backdoor access violates the Cloud Act , a bilateral agreement between the US and the UK.