The United Kingdom government has told Apple that it must build a backdoor into its iPhone software that will allow it to access encrypted content that is generated by people around the globe. Apple has so far refused to comment on the news.
First reported by multiple sources, the news comes after Apple had previously threatened to pull its Advanced Data Protection” (ADP) feature from the UK to prevent such things from happening. However, there is no guarantee that would have the desired effect.
According to the Washington Post, the UK’s order was issued last month and “requires blanket capability to view fully encrypted material, not merely assistance in cracking a specific account.” The report also notes that this is the first time that such a request has been made by a major democracy.
The ADP feature end-to-end encrypts data that the UK government wants access to, but even Apple cannot access it due to the nature of the technology in use. It’s exactly why it’s being used, but a backdoor could compromise that security.
The UK Home Office made the demand under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) which requires companies to provide information when it’s demanded. The act is designed to ensure law enforcement has access to information it deems necessary to prevent terrorism, among other things.
Neither Apple nor the Home Office have commented on the claimed demand, but Apple would be prevented from doing so even if it had actually happened. What comes next isn’t clear though — quite how far Apple can push back before being compelled to act one way or another remains to be seen.
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