Recently, the UK mandated Apple to develop a backdoor for accessing all cloud-stored user data under the Investigatory Powers Act. This order raised significant concerns about user privacy and government surveillance, igniting a bipartisan backlash among U.S. lawmakers.
Critics argue that such a move might jeopardize American privacy and security, prompting legislators to urge National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard to persuade the UK to withdraw its request. They raised alarms that implementing this mandate could expose sensitive governmental data and create a dangerous precedent in global cybersecurity.
To address these concerns, the UK government has initiated high-level discussions with U.S. officials, attempting to clarify that it does not intend to pressure Apple into granting access to American encrypted data. According to sources, UK officials have emphasized that the focus of their request is not broad access to personal data, but rather addressing serious crimes like terrorism and child exploitation.
On Thursday, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers called on the UK court overseeing the case to reconsider what they described as an overreach by the government. They contended that any mandates concerning U.S. companies and encryption should be openly debated by cybersecurity experts to evaluate potential risks.
Notable senators, including Ron Wyden and Andy Biggs, expressed concerns that weakening encryption could jeopardize sensitive data for journalists, activists, and diplomats worldwide. Apple, a staunch opponent of backdoors, firmly reaffirmed its commitment to user security.
Human rights organizations have also voiced their disapproval of the UK’s request, stressing that no government should have the authority to compromise encryption, as it poses a threat to global security and privacy. The UK court is set to conduct a confidential hearing regarding Apple’s appeal against the order.