The United Kingdom has reportedly ceased its requirement for Apple to provide backdoor access to user data protected by its iCloud encryption. Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, indicated that efforts between US officials, including the President and Vice President, and their UK counterparts led to this decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting Americans’ private data and civil liberties.
This change follows a secret order issued by the UK in January, which demanded that Apple enable access to encrypted files uploaded by users globally. In response, Apple retracted its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service from the UK, contesting the order and eventually securing the right to publicly address the case in April. US officials have been reviewing whether this UK order violated the bilateral CLOUD Act agreement, which prohibits the two nations from making data demands on each other.
Reports emerged recently suggesting the UK was reconsidering its directives due to pressure from US authorities. An unnamed UK official commented that the country felt “its back against the wall,” prompting a search for alternative solutions. The possibility of renegotiating terms with Apple that would not affect US citizens’ data remains uncertain. According to another unnamed US official, such negotiations would not adhere to the newly established agreement.
With the mandate reportedly lifted, it is unclear whether Apple will reinstate its ADP service in the UK. The company has been approached for a comment, while the UK Home Office has not provided any statements regarding the matter.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/761240/uk-apple-us-encryption-back-door-demands-dropped