UK Drops Demand for Backdoor into Apple Encryption

The long-running dispute over iCloud data access has taken a major turn. The UK drops demand for backdoor into Apple encryption, signaling a victory for Apple and privacy advocates worldwide. The move paves the way for Apple to reintroduce its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) iCloud encryption in the UK.

A Win for Apple and Privacy Advocates

The announcement came from US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who confirmed that the UK has officially withdrawn its mandate requiring Apple to provide access to encrypted iCloud data.

In a statement on X, Gabbard said she worked with UK partners, the President, and the Vice President to ensure that Americans’ private data remains protected. She added that the decision preserves both constitutional rights and civil liberties.

How the Encryption Battle Began

The conflict started earlier this year when the UK secretly ordered Apple to create a backdoor into its encryption. Apple pushed back immediately, restricting new UK users from signing up for ADP iCloud storage and challenging the order in court. By April, the company won the right to publicly disclose the case, putting global pressure on the UK government.

Meanwhile, US officials investigated whether the UK order violated the CLOUD Act, which prohibits the US and UK from demanding direct access to each other’s citizens’ data. That pressure amplified Apple’s case and created political fallout for the UK.

Why the UK Backed Down

Reports in July suggested Britain was reconsidering its stance after realizing the order could damage international relations and privacy frameworks. According to the Financial Times, one UK official admitted the country “had its back against the wall” and was seeking a way out.

Now that the UK drops demand for backdoor into Apple encryption, Apple could reinstate ADP for UK iCloud users. However, it’s unclear whether new negotiations will emerge around limited data access. US officials have warned that any new agreement undermining user privacy would not align with the revised stance.

What This Means for iCloud Users

For Apple customers, this is more than just a legal victory. It reaffirms Apple’s strong privacy position and sets a global precedent against government overreach in encryption. If ADP returns to the UK, users will once again enjoy end-to-end encrypted backups, ensuring only they hold the keys to their personal data.

The Bigger Picture

The decision reflects growing global debates on encryption, privacy, and national security. While governments push for surveillance capabilities, Apple and other tech companies continue to defend encryption as essential to user trust and cybersecurity.

With the UK dropping its demand for a backdoor into Apple encryption, this case could influence future tech policy across Europe and beyond.