Legal challenge escalates
The UK government attempted to compel Apple to grant sweeping access to private iCloud data, according to a new court filing that has intensified a high-stakes legal battle over encryption and surveillance.
Apple launched its challenge in March at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) after receiving a Technical Capability Notice (TCN) from the Home Office. The notice ordered the company to create “backdoor” access to its most secure cloud storage systems.
The latest IPT filing, released this week, indicates the demand went far beyond Apple’s optional Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature, extending to the company’s standard iCloud service used by millions worldwide.
Beyond UK users
Significantly, the filing suggests the Home Office’s order sought access not just to UK customers’ accounts, but potentially to data belonging to Apple users globally.
The document states the TCN “is not limited to the UK or users of the service in the UK; they apply globally in respect of the relevant data categories of all iCloud users.” That implies the government wanted to intercept messages, passwords, and other sensitive data stored in backups anywhere in the world.
The Investigatory Powers Act, often branded a “snooper’s charter,” gives UK authorities extraterritorial reach. Supporters argue it is vital for tackling terrorism and child sexual abuse. Critics warn it risks undermining privacy and trust in digital security.
US tensions deepen
The move has also triggered diplomatic tensions. Former US vice-president JD Vance and intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard had claimed last week that Britain agreed to drop efforts to compel Apple to expose the data of American citizens. Yet the IPT filing suggests the global scope of the order remains unresolved.
One person close to the case told the Financial Times: “We’re very concerned this is still going on.”
Apple itself has been forced into public action. In February, it withdrew its ADP encryption feature for UK customers, acknowledging for the first time that it was under pressure from the government. However, it has declined to comment further because the Investigatory Powers Act prevents companies from openly discussing TCNs.
Secrecy and surveillance
The IPT agreed to hear Apple’s complaint in open court, but in order to avoid breaching the Official Secrets Act, judges are treating the government’s demands as “assumed facts” rather than established truths. A full hearing is expected early next year.
The Home Office, asked about the revelations, refused to “confirm or deny the existence” of the order, citing policy not to comment on operational matters.
Campaigners argue the case will have far-reaching consequences for global digital rights. If Apple loses, governments worldwide could cite the precedent to justify their own demands for access to encrypted data.
For now, the standoff highlights the enduring clash between privacy advocates, tech giants, and security officials. Almost a decade after Apple’s battle with the FBI over iPhone encryption, the fight over who controls access to data is raging once more—this time, with potentially global implications.
