UK Considers Compromise with Apple on iCloud Encryption Dispute

According to the Financial Times, the UK may be stepping back from its confrontation with Apple over iCloud encryption to prevent further tensions with the Trump administration. A senior official revealed that Vice President JD Vance strongly opposed the UK's demands, particularly in relation to a recent order that sparked controversy between the two countries. Earlier this year, the UK issued a confidential mandate to Apple, requesting a backdoor access that would enable access to encrypted data of users globally. This request was made under the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, commonly referred to as the Snoopers’ Charter. One stipulation of the order was that Apple was prohibited from informing users about any potential security compromises and was restricted from public disclosure. The Advanced Data Protection feature for users in the UK was deactivated, effectively eliminating end-to-end encryption for British users. Apple declined to comply with the requested backdoor access, challenged the order in a confidential hearing, and ultimately secured the right to discuss the matter publicly. This stance taken by Apple generated indignation in the US and was reportedly a topic of discussion during diplomatic talks between the UK and the US.