UK Demands Access to Wider Pool of Apple Customers' Data, Court Record Reveals

A UK court document suggests the government pushed for access to a broader range of Apple customers' data, including non-UK users, despite Tulsi Gabbard's claim that the request was dropped. The move sparked a diplomatic row and prompted Apple to roll back its Advanced Data Protection feature. The case is set to be determined by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in early 2026.

Title: UK's Broader Data Demand from Apple Sparks Diplomatic Row and Privacy Concerns

A UK court document has revealed that the government's push for access to Apple users' encrypted data was more extensive than previously known. The revelation has sparked a diplomatic row and prompted Apple to roll back its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for UK users. The case is set to be determined by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) in early 2026.

The court document, published by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPC), indicates that the UK government's secret demand for Apple to create backdoor access to encrypted user data was far broader than previously known. The Home Office's technical capability notice (TCN) sought access to a swathe of standard iCloud services used by millions worldwide, including backed-up messages and passwords [2].

The demand for access to non-UK users' data has been a significant concern. Apple has consistently maintained that creating backdoors would compromise security for all users and inevitably be exploited by malicious actors. The company withdrew its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature from UK customers in February after receiving the secret government order [2].

The move has sparked a diplomatic row between the UK and the US. US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard had previously claimed that the UK had agreed to drop its encryption demands following pressure from the US director of national intelligence and vice president JD Vance. However, the new filing suggests that the Home Office has yet to formally modify or rescind its global data access demands [3].

The UK government's approach to digital market regulation differs significantly from the European Union model, offering more flexibility to tailor solutions that are proportionate and practical for both businesses and consumers [1]. The CMA's roadmap for the sector prioritizes measures including interoperability, which would require Apple to make its systems more compatible with third-party apps and services, and so-called steering, which would let developers direct users to make purchases outside of Apple's App Store [1].

Apple has warned that these changes could expose users to scams and reduce its ability to invest in new technologies. The company also questioned the evidence base used by the CMA, citing limited developer feedback and survey data [1].

The case is arguably the most significant encryption battle since Apple's 2016 fight with the FBI over unlocking the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone. The IPC will hear Apple's legal challenge in open court early next year, although the UK government refuses to confirm or deny the existence of the Home Office order. The court has agreed to proceed based on "assumed facts" to avoid participants violating the Official Secrets Act [2].

One person familiar with the case told the Financial Times that they were "still very concerned this is still going on," despite public statements from US officials about the UK backing down [2].

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/apple-says-uk-mobile-market-shake-up-could-harm-users-developers-2025-08-28/
[2] https://www.macrumors.com/2025/08/29/uk-still-demanding-global-access-icloud-user-data/
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/apple-aapl-off-hook-britain-035658393.html