UK Rescinds Demand for Apple Encryption Backdoor Following US Intervention
In a landmark triumph for digital privacy rights, the United Kingdom has conceded to rescind its contentious demand for Apple to create an encryption backdoor. This would have facilitated access to users’ encrypted iCloud data globally. The announcement was made on August 19, 2025, by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, subsequent to months of diplomatic pressure from the Trump administration.
The UK’s initial order, promulgated in January 2025 under the Investigatory Powers Act, had mandated Apple to grant unrestricted access to Advanced Data Protection features for users worldwide. This included American citizens with no ties to the UK. In retaliation, Apple chose to eliminate its most secure encryption features for UK users, rather than jeopardizing global security.
“The UK has agreed to drop its mandate” that “would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens,” Gabbard declared on social media.
The reversal follows intervention from Vice President JD Vance and apprehensions that the backdoor would compromise privacy and security for millions of users worldwide. Although the UK government has not yet formally confirmed the withdrawal, sources suggest the decision mirrors wider diplomatic considerations as both nations negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement.