Apple appeals UK demand for encrypted user data

Apple has filed a legal appeal against the UK government's latest attempt to gain access to users' encrypted data, the company confirmed on Monday.

The dispute concerns a UK demand that Apple create a way for authorities to access data uploaded by Apple users when required, including for law enforcement purposes. Apple said in a September statement re-shared on Monday that it had never built a “backdoor” or master key to any of its products or services and “never will.”

An Apple spokesperson confirmed the legal appeal, first reported by the Financial Times, but declined to comment further. The UK government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

US media reported last year that the UK had sought access to encrypted data uploaded by Apple users worldwide. The demand caused tensions between London and Washington, and the UK later dropped its request for global access, then-US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard said on X in August 2025.

The Financial Times reported in October that London had instead asked Apple for access to British users' encrypted data, which is the focus of the latest challenge.

Apple stopped offering its Advanced Data Protection feature to British users in February 2025. The feature provides end-to-end encryption for cloud content such as photos and documents, meaning only account holders can view it.