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Britain Orders Apple to Create Cloud Access for UK Data

By  |  October 1, 2025

Britain’s government has directed Apple to design a “back door” into its iCloud storage system that would apply solely to data belonging to UK users, the Financial Times reported Wednesday. The move follows months of debate over how much access authorities should have to encrypted technologies.

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    According to Reuters, the United Kingdom had previously dropped a broader proposal in August that would have compelled Apple to open up access to both British and American customers’ encrypted information. That earlier mandate, revealed by U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, raised alarm among lawmakers in Washington. Critics warned that forcing such a back door could leave sensitive personal data vulnerable to cybercriminals and authoritarian regimes, per Reuters.

    Apple has consistently resisted such demands. The company, which maintains that it will never create a back door for its encrypted services, challenged the earlier order at the UK’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal. The tribunal confirmed in April that the appeal was underway.

    Read more:  Apple Battles EU Over Tech Regulation, Flags Privacy and Security Concerns

    While Apple has not commented on the latest development, the British government has defended its position. A spokesperson stated, “We do not comment on operational matters, including for example confirming or denying the existence of any such notices. We will always take all actions necessary at the domestic level to keep UK citizens safe.”

    The order is expected to intensify the long-running clash between governments seeking greater surveillance capabilities and technology firms that argue weakening encryption would endanger the security of millions of users worldwide.

    Source: Reuters