Apple launches new legal challenge to UK attempt to access encrypted user data
Apple has previously said it has never built a backdoor or master key to any of its products or services and never would
Apple has launched a new legal challenge against the British government's latest attempt to create a so-called backdoor to access encrypted customer data.
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Apple lodged a legal complaint last month at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal over the Home Office's demand that the company allow it access to encrypted cloud backups of data belonging to British users.
Last year, Britain dropped a previous mandate for such a backdoor that would have allowed access to British and US customers' data following months of negotiations with the US President Donald Trump's administration.
However, British authorities subsequently issued a new "technical capability notice" to Apple that did not apply to US users, the Financial Times reported.
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A government spokesperson said it would not comment on legal proceedings or operational matters, including confirming or denying the existence of individual notices.
"The UK supports strong encryption and robust privacy protections, but it is also vital that law enforcement can access communications when necessary and proportionate to protect the public from terrorism, serious crime, and child sexual abuse," the spokesperson said.
Apple confirmed the filing but declined to comment further. The company has previously said it has never built a backdoor or master key to any of its products or services and never would.
"This is a hugely important case that will have far-reaching implications for the public’s privacy rights well into the future," Ruth Ehrlich, director of external relations at human rights advocacy group Liberty, which has previously been involved in the legal case, said in a statement.
"Opening a backdoor to all of that information carries a wide range of risks to our personal data. It is critical that the government listens to the many concerns and commits to protecting our privacy rights."