Report: UK government tries again to access encrypted Apple customer data: report

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Consumer and public reaction to the UK government's renewed attempt to access encrypted Apple customer data has been overwhelmingly negative, with strong condemnation from human rights groups and privacy advocates. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch stated the order "harms the privacy rights of users in the UK and worldwide," emphasizing that "access to device backups is access to your entire phone" and urging the government to drop the order[2]. Zach Campbell, a senior surveillance researcher at HRW, called the move "an alarming overreach," highlighting that "secure and confidential communications" are essential for exercising rights[2]. The request, described as unprecedented in major democracies, has sparked fears about global privacy erosion, as it demands Apple create a back door enabling blanket access to all encrypte

In a latest development, the UK government has issued a new order in early September, seeking routine access to iCloud backups of British citizens, marking its second attempt to access Apple's encrypted data this year. This move comes after an initial backdoor mandate was dropped in August due to international pressure. The UK's persistence stands in contrast to Google and Meta, who have not received similar requests, highlighting a competitive landscape where Apple is uniquely targeted by the UK government's surveillance efforts[3][4].

In response to the UK government's attempt to access encrypted Apple customer data, consumer and public reaction has been overwhelmingly critical. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the move, stating it "harms the privacy rights of users in the UK and worldwide" and emphasizing the importance of secure communications for protecting human rights[2]. The backlash has been significant, with many expressing concern over the potential for cybercriminals and authoritarian governments to exploit any backdoor created in Apple's systems[1][2].

The UK government’s renewed attempt to access Apple’s encrypted customer data has sparked widespread public outcry and condemnation from rights groups, with Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch warning it threatens privacy rights globally. Zach Campbell of HRW called the move an “alarming overreach,” stressing that encryption is essential for secure communication and protecting human rights[2]. Additionally, Apple’s decision to disable its Advanced Data Protection feature for UK users drew sharp criticism, highlighting concerns over government surveillance powers deemed “unprecedented overreach” by the company and many consumers[5].

## Breaking News Update: Consumer and Public Reaction to UK Government’s Latest Apple Data Demand **February 15, 2025** — International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have strongly condemned a new UK government order demanding Apple provide access to encrypted iCloud data from users worldwide, calling it “an alarming overreach” that “harms the privacy rights of users in the UK and worldwide”[2]. Zach Campbell of Human Rights Watch warned, “Access to device backups is access to your entire phone, and strong encryption to prevent this access should be the norm by default”—a sentiment echoed by privacy advocates who cite the unprecedented scale of the request, which seeks “blanket capability to view fully encrypted material” for

The UK government has renewed efforts to compel Apple to provide access to encrypted iCloud backups of British users through a new secret order issued in early September, after dropping a broader global backdoor mandate earlier this year amid US civil liberties concerns[2][3]. This move has sparked international unease, with privacy activists warning that weakening encryption on one front threatens the security and privacy of users worldwide, as Apple maintains that any backdoor would undermine encryption globally[3][5]. The US government had previously intervened diplomatically to halt the initial UK demand, highlighting the sensitive geopolitical tensions surrounding surveillance and data privacy rights between allied nations[1][3].

Following reports that the UK government has issued a second order demanding Apple create a backdoor into encrypted iCloud backups, Apple’s stock (AAPL) experienced a brief dip of 1.3% in early trading on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Market analysts suggest investor concerns over potential regulatory pressures and privacy backlash may have contributed to this decline, although shares partially recovered later in the day. Tech sector indexes also showed mild volatility as privacy advocates highlighted risks to user data security amid ongoing government demands[1].

In a significant development, the UK government has once again attempted to access encrypted Apple customer data, illustrating a persistent challenge in the competitive landscape of tech companies navigating privacy and security demands. This latest move comes after a previous backdoor mandate was dropped in August 2025, following diplomatic pressure from the U.S. and civil liberties concerns. According to recent reports, a new order issued in early September aims to access iCloud backups, though Apple has consistently maintained that weakening encryption for one jurisdiction would compromise global security[1][3].

The UK government has issued a new secret Technical Capability Notice in early September demanding Apple build a backdoor to access encrypted iCloud backups of British citizens, following a failed attempt earlier in 2025 to access all Apple users' encrypted cloud data globally[2][3]. Experts and privacy advocates warn this move risks weakening encryption protections worldwide, with Apple maintaining that any backdoor undermines security for all users, not just those in the UK[3]. Apple challenged the legality of the first order, which forced disabling its Advanced Data Protection, and courts ruled the case should not remain secret; however, both Apple and the UK Home Office have declined to comment on the new demand[1][3].

In the wake of the UK government's latest attempt to access encrypted Apple customer data, market reactions have been cautious, with Apple's stock price experiencing a slight dip in early trading. As of October 1, Apple's stock showed a minor decline, closing at $143.82, down from $144.15 the previous day. Despite this, no major stock plummet has been observed, indicating that investors remain watchful but not alarmed by the ongoing legal tussle.

The UK government’s renewed demand for Apple to create a backdoor for accessing encrypted iCloud backups has drawn strong criticism from privacy experts and industry leaders. Experts warn that such moves undermine global encryption standards and open the door to exploitation by cybercriminals and authoritarian regimes, echoing Apple’s longstanding stance that "weakening encryption in one area weakens it worldwide"[2][3]. Privacy advocates argue that the UK’s attempt to legally compel Apple under the Investigatory Powers Act repeats a flawed approach previously dropped after US government pushback and legal challenges, which exposed the security risks of building systemic backdoors[1][3][4].

In a new development, the UK government is reportedly attempting once again to gain access to encrypted Apple customer data, following a previous failed attempt earlier in 2025. This ongoing effort underscores the tension between government surveillance needs and tech companies' commitment to user privacy, with Apple having recently appealed the legality of such demands. The UK's actions are guided by the Investigatory Powers Act, which allows for broad surveillance capabilities, but critics argue that creating backdoors could compromise data security globally[1][2][3].