The U.S. government is examining whether the United Kingdom violated a bilateral data-sharing agreement by allegedly demanding that Apple create a backdoor into its encrypted iCloud storage system, according to reports by Reuters and The Washington Post. The inquiry centers on whether the UK breached the CLOUD Act, which prohibits either country from requesting data from the other’s citizens or residents without proper legal channels.
Apple recently withdrew its encrypted storage feature for UK users following reports that the British government had pushed for access to user data, including messages and photos. In a February 25 letter to U.S. lawmakers, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revealed that her office is assessing the legality of the UK's actions under the bilateral agreement.
Legal experts are now evaluating whether the UK's request overstepped the boundaries set by the CLOUD Act. The legislation is designed to streamline lawful data sharing while preventing overreach, particularly regarding U.S. citizens and residents.
Apple has maintained a strong stance against government backdoors, warning that such access could undermine global cybersecurity. Cybersecurity specialists echoed these concerns, suggesting that any backdoor created for government use could eventually be exploited by malicious actors. The tech giant’s resistance to similar demands is well-known, including a high-profile 2016 standoff with U.S. authorities over unlocking a terrorism suspect’s iPhone.
The unfolding situation could intensify debates around privacy, security, and government access to encrypted data, highlighting the delicate balance between national security and individual privacy rights.
