Two US lawmakers have raised concerns about the UK’s request for access to encrypted data stored by Apple users worldwide, describing it as a potential threat to privacy and security.
Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Andy Biggs have written to US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, urging her to address what they call a “dangerous” demand from the UK. The lawmakers argue that granting the request could undermine US cybersecurity and expose Americans to espionage risks from adversaries such as China and Russia.
The UK’s request seeks access to content protected by Apple’s “Advanced Data Protection” (ADP) service, which uses end-to-end encryption, meaning only the account holder can access the data. The service is optional, and not all users choose to activate it.
In a letter to Gabbard, Wyden and Biggs cautioned that complying with the UK’s request could set a dangerous precedent for weakening the security of Apple devices, which are widely used by American citizens and government agencies. They argued that if Apple is compelled to create a backdoor for this request, it could potentially expose Americans’ data to cyber threats.
The UK’s Home Office, which made the request under the Investigatory Powers Act, has not publicly confirmed the details. The law compels companies to provide information to law enforcement in specific cases, though the details of individual requests are typically kept confidential.
Apple has declined to comment on the specific request but has reiterated its stance that privacy is a fundamental human right. The company has previously resisted government efforts to break its encryption, including in high-profile cases such as the 2016 San Bernardino shooting investigation.
While the UK government has stated that the request is aimed at accessing data related to specific national security threats rather than conducting mass surveillance, privacy advocates have expressed concern over the potential for undermining encryption standards. Some experts have warned that the move could lead to weakened security for individuals globally.
In response to these concerns, Apple has indicated that it would consider removing its encryption services from the UK market rather than comply with such government demands. Other tech companies, including Meta’s WhatsApp, have made similar statements, with some indicating that they would prefer to withdraw their services rather than compromise on security.
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#US #UK #Apple #Encryption #CyberSecurity #PrivacyRights #TechPolicy
