Apple need not share US citizens' data with UK government
What's the story
The UK government has dropped its demand for Apple to create a backdoor into the encrypted data of US citizens, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced. The decision comes after months of negotiations involving Gabbard, US President Donald Trump, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Apple had strongly opposed the order due to privacy and security concerns.
Announcement
What did Gabbard say?
Gabbard took to X to announce the UK's decision, saying she had worked for months with British officials to reach this agreement. She also noted that Trump and Vice President JD Vance were involved in these discussions. The announcement comes as Starmer was in Washington with other European leaders for talks with Trump on Russia's war in Ukraine.
Controversial demand
Backdoor order could be exploited by cybercriminals
In May, US lawmakers had warned that the UK's order for Apple to create a backdoor into its encrypted user data could be exploited by cybercriminals and authoritarian governments. The iPhone maker had challenged the order at the UK's Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT). Earlier this year, US officials were investigating if the UK violated a bilateral agreement by demanding such access from Apple.
Feature withdrawal
Apple pulled Advanced Data Protection in February
In February, Apple pulled its Advanced Data Protection facility for UK users after the British order. The facility allowed users of Apple's iPhones, Macs, and other devices to ensure that only they could unlock the data stored on its cloud. Cybersecurity experts have warned that if Apple were to create a backdoor for any government, hackers would eventually find and exploit it.