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An order by the British government for Apple to introduce “backdoor” access to its cloud storage systems has been appealed by the tech giant.
Last week, following an order by the UK government demanding the right to access data, Apple removed its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) from its secure cloud storage.
While Apple’s standard level of encryption allows access with a warrant, ADP is its most secure privacy measure and prevents even Apple from accessing using the opt-in security feature for encryption.
The UK demanded access to the data of Apple users for cases of national security threats.
Rather than comply with the order, Apple created a “back door” tool to allow the UK to access it. The tech giant said it was disappointed in having to remove ADP for the UK and that it maintains it is against compromising user security.
Now, as reported by the Financial Times, Apple has appealed the order to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, an independent court responsible for investigating the actions of the nation’s security regulator.
While not much more is known about the appeal, the UK Home Office has neither confirmed nor denied the order against Apple as it is not legally allowed to be publicly disclosed, but it has said that it has a history of protecting privacy while also tackling major crimes.
“The UK has a longstanding position of protecting our citizens from the very worst crimes, such as child sex abuse and terrorism, at the same time as protecting people’s privacy,” said a Home Office spokesperson.
“The UK has robust safeguards and independent oversight to protect privacy, and privacy is only impacted on an exceptional basis, in relation to the most serious crimes and only when it is necessary and proportionate to do so.”
However, the US administration has shared its frustration at the news of the order, with President Donald Trump likening it to “something that you hear about with China”.
Additionally, US Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Andy Biggs wrote to US director of intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, saying that the move would undermine the privacy rights of Americans and could expose their data to Chinese, Russian and other espionage.
“These reported actions seriously threaten the privacy and security of both the American people and the US government,” the letter said.
“Apple does not make different versions of its encryption software for each market; Apple customers in the UK use the same software as Americans.
“If Apple is forced to build a backdoor in its products, that backdoor will end up in Americans’ phones, tablets, and computers, undermining the security of Americans’ data, as well as of the countless federal, state and local government agencies that entrust sensitive data to Apple products.”
Gabbard has also called the move an “egregious violation” of the privacy rights of US citizens, adding that she will be investigating whether the order breached a legal data agreement between the US and the UK.
According to the Financial Times report, the tribunal may hear the case in a matter of weeks but added that the hearing may be private.
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