UK government resumes row with Apple by demanding access to British users' data

"The Home Office had previously sought access to data on Apple's advanced data protection (ADP) service uploaded by any user around the world, triggering a clash with the White House. The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that the government has returned with a new access order, called a technical capability notice, seeking access to the encrypted cloud backups of British citizens."

"Apple did not comment on the FT report directly, but said it was gravely disappointed that it could not offer ADP an optional extra layer of security to UK customers and reiterated that it would never build a backdoor into its products. Apple remains committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their personal data and are hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the United Kingdom."

"Apple withdrew ADP for new users in the UK in February and said existing users would need to disable the security feature at a later date. Messaging services such as iMessage and FaceTime remain end-to-end encrypted by default. Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, said in August the UK had backed down on demanding access to US customer data."

UK authorities have issued a technical capability notice demanding access to encrypted iCloud backups for British users, renewing a confrontation with Apple over customer data access. The Home Office previously sought worldwide access to Apple's Advanced Data Protection (ADP) backups, provoking a clash with the US. Apple withdrew ADP for new UK users and warned existing users would need to disable the feature later. Messaging apps like iMessage and FaceTime remain end-to-end encrypted. Government sources say actions will protect UK citizens. Apple said it will never build backdoors and appealed the first notice via the investigatory powers tribunal.

Read at www.theguardian.com