Apple has held firm on not granting backdoor access to users’ iCloud data, and the UK continues to try to find a way — just not publicly.
Apple continues to push back against the UK government’s request for full access to all iCloud content across the globe. As a result, the appeal is set to be considered at a secret hearing at the High Court.
According to BBC, it’s due to be considered by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, an independent court that has the power to investigate claims against the UK intelligence services. Allegedly, the meeting is being kept under wraps because it relates to security services.
However, not everyone agrees.
“This hearing should not be held in secret,” Caroline Wilson Palow, legal director at Privacy International, told the BBC.
“The public has a right to know whether or not the security of a service that could be used by millions or perhaps billions of people worldwide is being undermined.”
The UK government, for its part, says it needs to be able to identify any risks to national security. However, Apple has a firm stance on keeping its users’ cloud data secure.
In early February, the UK government issued an order to Apple telling it to allow officials full access to any iCloud content belonging to any user across the globe.
In response, Apple announced that it would no longer offer Advanced Data Protection for its UK customer base.
In early March, Apple filed a legal complaint with the UK’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal, pushing back against the mandate.
