A battle over digital privacy has erupted between the United States and the United Kingdom, with American lawmakers threatening serious consequences if Britain doesn’t back down from its latest demands on Apple.
Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Andy Biggs have sent a formal warning to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, urging her to push back against the UK’s attempt to access encrypted iCloud data worldwide.
The lawmakers condemned Britain’s request as a direct attack on US privacy and cybersecurity, calling it both “dangerous” and “short-sighted.”
What Is the UK Asking For?
Last week, reports surfaced that the UK is demanding Apple provide access to user data stored under the company’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) system. ADP employs end-to-end encryption, meaning not even Apple can access the information stored — only the account holder can.
According to the Washington Post, which first revealed the UK’s demands, the request falls under the Investigatory Powers Act. This British law compels companies to grant law enforcement access to data when requested, while banning them from disclosing such requests to the public.
Wyden and Biggs argue that complying with the UK’s request would be catastrophic for global security. Since Apple uses the same encryption system worldwide, any backdoor created for Britain would also expose American data—leaving millions vulnerable to hacking, surveillance, and foreign espionage from adversaries like China and Russia.
“If Apple is forced to build a backdoor, it will also end up on Americans' phones, tablets, and computers, undermining the security of both individuals and government agencies,” they warned, as cited by Trend.
Privacy groups have also sounded the alarm. Privacy International has called the UK’s demand an “unprecedented attack” on private data.
Apple vs. Government
Ironically, the US government itself has pressured Apple in the past to weaken its encryption.
In 2016, the FBI demanded Apple unlock an iPhone belonging to the San Bernardino shooter, but Apple refused to create a security backdoor, fearing it would compromise global cybersecurity. The FBI later found a way to hack the phone without Apple’s help.
In 2020, Apple again refused to unlock a mass shooter’s phone, though the FBI eventually bypassed the security on its own.
Apple and WhatsApp Threaten UK Pullout
The UK claims it would only target individuals deemed security threats, rather than mass surveillance of all Apple users.
However, Apple has taken a hard stance, threatening to pull ADP from the UK market entirely rather than compromise security. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has also warned it would rather be banned in the UK than weaken its encryption.
But the battle isn’t over — because the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act applies globally, meaning Apple and other tech companies may be forced to comply even if they exit the UK market.
