Apple has formally launched a new legal challenge against the UK government at a tribunal tasked with overseeing covert surveillance powers. While the company has not disclosed specific details regarding the filing, reports indicate the dispute involves government demands for access to highly encrypted user data, a conflict that has persisted since early 2025.

The disagreement centers on the UK government's efforts to gain access to information protected by Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, an opt-in feature that utilizes end-to-end encryption. Because of this security architecture, Apple currently lacks the technical ability to access the contents of user iCloud backups, photos, and other stored data. In February 2025, Apple withdrew this feature for new UK users, citing its inability to offer the service under current government requirements.

The government’s requests are issued under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which allows for secret technical capability notices that can compel companies to provide security services with methods to access customer information. A previous government notice was withdrawn following opposition from US officials, but a new request was issued in October that excludes US citizens.

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In a statement, the UK government maintained that while it supports strong encryption, it remains vital for law enforcement to access communications to combat terrorism, serious crime, and child sexual abuse. The government stated that such requests are only made when "necessary and proportionate" and are subject to independent judicial review.

Apple reiterated its long-standing policy, stating, "We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will."

Privacy advocacy groups, including Privacy International and Liberty, have expressed support for Apple’s legal action. These organizations argue that undermining end-to-end encryption poses significant risks to personal data security, including financial and health information. The Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, has previously noted that these notices undergo independent oversight and are not equivalent to the "backdoor" access described by critics.

Source: BBC News