The United Kingdom is once again pressuring Apple to give its officials access to encrypted iCloud information, according to a new report from the Financial Times. The government has allegedly issued a fresh, secret order earlier this month, requesting Apple to design a system that would allow authorities to unlock and view encrypted cloud backups belonging to British users.
This move marks the second attempt by the U.K. Home Office to compel Apple to weaken its encryption protections. The request reportedly came in the form of what’s known as a technical capability notice, a legal demand issued under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 — legislation often referred to by critics as the “Snoopers’ Charter.”
Privacy advocates have quickly condemned the reported demand, arguing that if Apple were to comply, it would set a dangerous precedent for global digital security. They warn that introducing a “backdoor” for one government would inevitably expose user data worldwide to potential misuse.
Apple has not confirmed whether it received the new order but has expressed disappointment over its inability to extend Advanced Data Protection (ADP) to users in the U.K. This optional feature provides full end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, meaning even Apple cannot access user data stored in the cloud.
Julien Trosdorf, a spokesperson for Apple, stated that the company remains “gravely disappointed” by the restrictions preventing it from rolling out ADP in Britain. The U.K. Home Office, however, has not issued any public comment regarding the new development.
The government’s first attempt to gain access occurred in January, when it asked Apple to disable ADP for users globally. That request failed after negotiations between British officials and the U.S. government reportedly resulted in the order being withdrawn.
Apple has long maintained a firm stance on encryption, repeatedly stating that it would never create a backdoor or master key that could compromise user security. The company has also challenged previous attempts in court, arguing that such proceedings should not be conducted in secrecy.
This renewed push by the U.K. government underscores an ongoing global debate: the balance between national security and digital privacy. As governments demand more oversight and access to encrypted data, tech companies like Apple remain caught in the middle — defending user privacy while navigating mounting political pressure.
