British attempt to create backdoor in iPhone withdrawn under US pressure

The Trump administration has reportedly rallied against the UK's orders to build a 'backdoor' to allow security agencies to access Apple's highly encrypted cloud storage systems, which even Apple itself cannot access.

UK government seeks way out of clash with US over Apple encryption

Apple offers a feature called ' Advanced Data Protection (ADP) ' for users who access their cloud storage. When a user turns on this feature, most data on iCloud is protected with end-to-end encryption, providing advanced security that makes it impossible for even Apple, the service provider, to view the data.

In January 2025, the UK Home Office formally asked Apple to provide law enforcement with access to the highly encrypted data, acting under the UK Investigatory Powers Act , with the UK government arguing that reviewing the data could be useful in terrorism and child sexual abuse investigations.

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

However, Apple has decided not to offer 'advanced data protection' in the UK, citing security and privacy concerns.

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

According to the Financial Times, a British economic newspaper, the US government also had a hand in the termination of the advanced data protection provision. A senior British government official said, 'There is a conflict between the UK and US governments, and the UK government is looking for a way out of the conflict, but it will probably be forced to back down under pressure from Vice President J.D. Vance and other senior government officials,' the Financial Times reported.

Senior officials also said, 'This is an issue that Vice President Vance is very uncomfortable about and it's an issue that has to be resolved,' 'This is a big red line for the US and they don't want us interfering with US technology companies,' 'This is a problem the Home Office has brought upon itself and they are currently seeking a solution to it,' and 'The UK government is reluctant to push through what appears to be a freedom of expression issue,' and said that the UK's decision to force Apple to break end-to-end encryption could hinder a technology agreement with the US.

Apple has challenged the Home Office's authority to request access to the backdoor in court, and although the Home Office has asked the court to keep the challenge secret, a judge has ordered that details of the case be made public.

Apple files court challenge to UK's 'backdoor creation order' - GIGAZINE

Meta, which provides the encrypted messaging service WhatsApp, has also announced that it will join Apple's legal battle, signaling its opposition to the British government's attempts to eavesdrop on data.