The debate surrounding iCloud and the protection of encrypted user data has entered a new phase. Following repeated attempts by the British government to gain access to encrypted iCloud data, two high-ranking US lawmakers are now demanding official disclosure. At the heart of the matter is the question of whether the UK intends to create a backdoor in iCloud encryption – and what the consequences of this would be for data privacy, international relations, and IT security.
Apple has positioned itself for years as a company with a strong focus on privacy. The company has already resisted demands from the FBI for a backdoor to decrypt iPhones. Apple has also shown resistance to the UK.
Encryption is crucial, especially for cloud services like iCloud. It protects personal data such as photos, documents, backups, and messages. At the same time, governments regularly argue that encrypted systems could hinder investigations. This tension forms the backdrop to current political developments (via Reuters).
US lawmakers require official notification
On Wednesday, two leading members of the US House of Representatives demanded detailed information from the British government:
- Jim Jordan, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee
- Brian Mast, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee
In a letter, they requested a full briefing from the British government regarding a planned backdoor in iCloud encryption. The letter was addressed to Shabana Mahmood, Minister of State at the British Home Office.
Specifically, this concerns a so-called "Technical Capability Notice" (TCN). This is an official order that can require companies to provide technical capabilities for government access.
Jordan and Mast expressed serious concerns. A backdoor in the encryption could allow sensitive user data to fall not only into the hands of law enforcement agencies, but also authoritarian governments or cybercriminals. They argued that full transparency regarding the UK's measures is necessary to enable a "mature and informed public debate.".
In the letter, they called on the British Home Office and the British Embassy in the USA to organize a briefing as soon as possible – but no later than 10:00 AM ET on March 11, 2026.
The origin of the conflict
The conflict didn't begin now. Back in February 2025, the British government sent Apple a demand for a backdoor in iCloud encryption. This was based on a revised version of the Investigatory Powers Act, which grants authorities expanded powers.
This move sparked bipartisan outrage among US lawmakers. Members of congressional oversight committees subsequently contacted Tulsi Gabbard, the director of the National Intelligence Service.
Later that same month, Gabbard responded with "great concern," stating that the US had not been informed about the secret British order.
Apple did not comply with the British demand. Instead, the company deactivated the enhanced privacy feature for iCloud in the UK.
Legal steps and support
In March 2025, Apple reportedly challenged the British government's confidential request before the High Court, thus shifting the dispute to the legal arena.
In June 2025, Apple received support from WhatsApp and several US legislators. This support strengthened Apple's position against mandatory weakening of encryption.
New developments in summer and autumn 2025
In August 2025, a social media post by Tulsi Gabbard suggested that Britain had dropped its demands for access to encrypted messages. There was no official statement from the British government, even though the full scope of the original backdoor demand had become public.
Nevertheless, the topic remained relevant. Even though Great Britain has apparently abandoned its intention to access the data of all iCloud users worldwide, there is still interest in accessing the iCloud data of British citizens.
In October 2025, the British Home Office reportedly asked Apple to create a way for officials to access encrypted cloud backups.
Assessment of the situation
It is considered unlikely that the British government will ever gain access to the private data of all iCloud users worldwide. Nevertheless, the ongoing interest in backdoors in encryption systems continues to attract political attention.
The current initiative by Jim Jordan and Brian Mast shows that the issue is not considered settled in the US either. The question of whether and how states should be allowed access to highly encrypted cloud services like iCloud remains controversial internationally.
Political pressure surrounding iCloud encryption is growing
The iCloud debate exemplifies the fundamental conflict between national security and digital privacy. Great Britain has repeatedly attempted to gain access to encrypted user data. Apple has resisted, adapted its technical features, and initiated legal proceedings.
The current demand for a disclosure has intensified the political pressure once again. How the British government will react remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the debate surrounding iCloud encryption and potential backdoors will continue – both on a legal and a political level. (Image: Shutterstock / metamorworks)
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