US Investigates UK’s Demand for Apple to Create Encryption Backdoor

The UK’s request for access to encrypted iCloud data raises privacy concerns and potential violations of a US-UK data-sharing agreement.

The UK government secretly demanded Apple create a backdoor to access encrypted iCloud data under the Investigatory Powers Act, known as the 'Snooper's Charter.'
Apple removed its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for UK users, which provided end-to-end encryption, rather than comply with the demand.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called the UK’s request a 'clear and egregious violation' of Americans' privacy and civil liberties.
The demand may breach the bilateral CLOUD Act agreement, which restricts cross-border demands for user data without proper authorization.
US intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA, are investigating the implications of the UK’s actions, while legal reviews are underway to assess compliance with international agreements.