The action against the UK government over Apple's encrypted data has started secretly before the Royal Courts of Justice. The Home Office has demanded the authority to access data from Apple users who have enabled Advanced Data Protection (ADP), a measure that stops anyone other than the user - including the tech giant - from viewing their information. Apple claims it is crucial for privacy, while the UK government claims it must be allowed to access data if there is a national security threat. However, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which is hearing the case, convened a closed-door session on Friday.
Security vs. Privacy
The case involves balancing national security and privacy rights.
ADP is end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one other than the owner may access files secured with it. Other end-to-end encrypted services available in the UK include Signal,
Meta's WhatsApp, and Apple's iMessage. In February, it was revealed that the UK government was seeking the right to access data secured in this manner using powers granted to it under the Investigatory Powers Act.
The Act authorizes it to compel businesses to submit information to law enforcement agencies. Apple replied by withdrawing ADP from the UK and starting legal action to contest the government's demand.
" As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will," according to the company's website.
