Apple has filed a new legal complaint against the UK government, taking its long-running fight over encrypted iCloud data to the tribunal that hears objections to covert surveillance powers. The move follows a Home Office order demanding access to British users' encrypted data, and comes a year after a broader version of that demand was dropped following pressure from Washington.
Apple has confirmed it filed a new legal complaint against the UK government at the tribunal that handles objections to covert surveillance powers. The company has not disclosed what the complaint targets, but the Financial Times reported it is another challenge to a Home Office demand for backdoor access to Apple's encrypted user data.
Apple's Advanced Data Protection system is an opt-in feature that encrypts iCloud backups, photos and voice memos using end-to-end encryption, meaning not even Apple can see their contents. The underlying dispute over government access to that data has been rumbling on since early 2025.
Home Office holds firm
The government declined to comment on legal proceedings or operational matters. In a statement, a Home Office spokesperson said strong encryption must be balanced against letting law enforcement access communications necessary and proportionate to protect the public from terrorism, serious crime and child sexual abuse.
These demands are issued under the Investigatory Powers Act, which lets the Home Office send secret technical capability notices ordering companies to build in ways for security services to access customer data. The first such notice, issued in January 2025, sought access to iCloud data worldwide rather than only for British users.
That notice was withdrawn after angering US politicians who were concerned it would affect their own citizens' data. Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said the UK dropped the request after interventions from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The Home Office then issued a new, narrower notice in October that applies only to British users, not Americans.
Apple stands firm
After the first notice, Apple withdrew Advanced Data Protection for new UK users in February 2025 rather than build in a backdoor, and existing UK users still cannot enable the feature. Apple said in a statement: "we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products", pointing to that same position in defending its latest challenge.
Privacy groups and oversight
Privacy International said it was pleased Apple was again challenging the UK's regime of secret orders, though it added it doesn't know the substance of Apple's claim. Liberty's Ruth Ehrlich called the case hugely important, arguing that opening a backdoor to personal data such as bank details and health information carries a wide range of risks. The case, now before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, has been consolidated with separate complaints from Privacy International and Liberty, with a seven-day hearing set for early 2026.
Sir Brian Leveson, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, has said such notices are only issued if the Secretary of State deems them necessary and proportionate, subject to independent review by a judicial commissioner.
Sources: BBC News, CNBC, Crypto Briefing
Trading involves risk.
Risk Disclaimer
