UK Backs Down in Apple Privacy Row, U.S. Claims

The U.S. director of national intelligence said the UK has withdrawn its controversial demand for Apple to provide access to encrypted user data worldwide, Zoe Kleinman reported for BBC News.

In December, the UK issued Apple a formal notice demanding access to encrypted data from its global users. (Photo: Apple) 

Tulsi Gabbard wrote on X that the UK had dropped its instruction for Apple to build a “back door” into its systems, which she said would have undermined the privacy of American citizens.

The BBC reported that Apple has not yet received formal communication from either government.

“We have long had joint security and intelligence arrangements with the U.S. to tackle the most serious threats such as terrorism and child sexual abuse, including the role played by fast-moving technology in enabling those threats,” a UK government spokesperson said.

In December, the UK issued Apple a formal notice demanding access to encrypted data from its global users.

Apple responded by pulling its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature from the UK market and launching a legal challenge, with hearings set for early 2026.

“We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services, and we never will,” Apple said.