Experts Warn: UK’s Apple iCloud Backdoor Threatens Millions’ Privacy

More than 100 civil society organizations, tech companies, and cybersecurity experts are calling the UK to rescind its order to Apple to create a backdoor for its end-to-end encrypted cloud storage service. This unprecedented demand raises significant **concerns** about privacy and security, especially as it pertains to millions of users worldwide.

Table of Contents

• The consequences of undermining encryption
• The global impact of backdoors
• Challenges to implementation
• The future of encryption

The UK’s Apple iCloud backdoor “jeopardizes the security and privacy of millions, undermines the UK tech sector, and sets a dangerous precedent for global cybersecurity,” wrote the coalition in an open letter published on February 13, 2025. This comes as Apple could soon be forced to give away all users’ encrypted data to the UK government, which recently presented the big tech giant with a notice issued under the Investigatory Powers Act. This demand targets all encrypted content iPhone, iPad, and macOS users globally have stored using Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP).

The consequences of undermining encryption

Encryption is the industry-acknowledged backbone of internet privacy and security. This technology scrambles online content into an unreadable form to keep it private between the sender and the receiver at all times. However, law enforcement bodies view encrypted software as a barrier when it comes to criminal investigations, pushing for ways to break this digital lock.

This is why the UK issued a technical capability notice (or TCN) to Apple under the controversial 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, intensifying pressures both inside and outside Europe to create backdoors in encrypted software.

If successful, experts warn the consequences could extend beyond the UK’s borders. Industry insiders assert: “The world’s second-largest provider of mobile devices would be built on top of a systemic security flaw, putting all of its users’ security and privacy at risk, not just in the UK but globally.”

The global impact of backdoors

Cybersecurity experts argue that encryption backdoors cannot function effectively on a technical level. The commonly accepted mantra is: “Encryption is secure for all, or it isn’t for anyone.” This highlights concerns that criminals would also exploit these vulnerabilities mandated by governments.

Experts express particular concern over the impact that compromising the confidentiality of cloud storage services may have on vulnerable users, where online confidentiality can be crucial in preventing harassment.

Moreover, this situation poses risks to national security as backdoors in one instance can lead to weakened encryption across the public sector’s entire ecosystem. Aside from privacy and security, the UK’s encryption backdoor demands could trigger an exodus of tech companies unwilling to compromise their security infrastructure within the country. Companies like Signal and WhatsApp have already threatened to leave the UK over similar regulatory pressures surrounding the Online Safety Bill.

Challenges to implementation

As the UK government pushes for this backdoor, there are substantial challenges regarding how these requirements will be technically implemented. Furthermore, questions arise about whether major corporations like Google or Meta might become the next targets of such demands.

• Technical complexity: Creating a backdoor while maintaining overall security is technically challenging.
• Legal implications: International law may complicate any attempts to enforce these demands across jurisdictions.
• Public backlash: There may be significant public and international outcry against the perceived intrusion of privacy.

The future of encryption

As tensions mount, US lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to push back against the UK’s demands. The implications of the situation remain unclear, primarily how it will affect the future of encryption technology and user privacy rights. Experts insist that to ensure the national and economic security of the United Kingdom, the Home Office must withdraw its technical capability notice forcing Apple to compromise its end-to-end encryption.

In addition to potential reputational damage, foreign investors and consumers may question whether products from the UK are tainted by hidden government-mandated security vulnerabilities. The importance of strong encryption cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in protecting sensitive information globally. The landscape of cybersecurity remains in a delicate balance, underscoring the need for careful consideration of policies that could reshape the very fabric of online security.

If these developments continue, it will pave the way for broader discussions about user rights, corporate responsibilities, and governmental powers in an increasingly interconnected world.