Britain has withdrawn its demand for access to Apple users’ encrypted data, a move that had previously strained relations between London and Washington, according to US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard.
The UK government had sought a “back door” that would allow law enforcement agencies to access data stored by Apple users when necessary. Gabbard noted that the request “would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens and encroached on our civil liberties.”
For years, major tech platforms have resisted government pressure to compromise encryption, stressing that end-to-end protections are vital for user privacy. Gabbard said the UK “agreed to drop its mandate” following months of discussions with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The UK Home Office declined to comment, saying only, “We do not comment on operational matters.”
Earlier in February, Apple had suspended its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for British users. ADP provides end-to-end encryption for data such as photos and documents stored in the cloud, ensuring only account holders can access them.
Law enforcement bodies argue that encryption can shield criminals, terrorists, and offenders from prosecution, even with a legal warrant. However, civil liberties groups and cybersecurity experts view encryption as a safeguard against unauthorized surveillance and cyberattacks.
Apple reiterated this year that it has never created a “back door” or “master key” for its products and has no plans to do so.
What you should know
The retreat by the UK government represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate between privacy and security.
Apple’s firm stance against creating special access for governments highlights its role as a defender of digital rights, while the decision by London eases diplomatic friction with Washington and reaffirms the challenges nations face in balancing civil liberties with law enforcement needs.
