UK government resumes row with Apple by demanding access to British users’ data

New access order by Home Office would seek access to the tech company’s encrypted cloud backups

The UK government has renewed its confrontation with Apple over access to customer data by demanding a backdoor into the tech company’s cloud storage service – targeting British users only.

The Home Office had previously sought access to data on Apple’s advanced data protection (ADP) service uploaded by any user around the world, triggering a clash with the White House.

The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that the government has returned with a new access order, called a technical capability notice, seeking access to the encrypted cloud backups of British citizens.

A Home Office spokesperson said the department did not comment on operational matters, including “confirming or denying the existence of any such notices”. The spokesperson added: “We will always take all actions necessary at the domestic level to keep UK citizens safe.”