Apple filed a new legal complaint last month with the UK Investigatory Powers Tribunal to challenge a second technical capability notice (TCN) issued by the UK government demanding access to encrypted iCloud data of UK users [1, 2, 3, 4]. The UK government requires this access to support investigations of terrorism, serious crime, and child sexual abuse, stating it supports strong encryption but needs lawful access to protect the public [1, 4].
Apple disputes the demand and stated, "We do not and will not build backdoors or universal keys into any products or services," emphasizing its commitment to user security [4]. Privacy International and Liberty have joined Apple in the legal challenge, questioning the legality and secrecy surrounding the UK’s secret TCN orders. Privacy International said the challenge is "crucially important to preserving all of our privacy and security" [1].
The current legal battle follows an earlier UK government demand in 2025 to access encrypted iCloud backups that was dropped after US government intervention. Subsequently, Apple stopped offering its Advanced Data Protection (ADP), an end-to-end encryption feature for iCloud backups, to UK users in February 2025 due to this unresolved legal conflict [2, 3, 4].
The UK Investigatory Powers Tribunal, an independent court that investigates claims regarding unlawful surveillance powers, will hold a case management hearing in September 2026 to consider Apple’s and privacy groups’ challenges [1, 3]. Analysts note Apple’s share price declined notably in early August 2026, with a drop of 7.35% plus another 1.78% over two trading days, amid concerns about the legal dispute and broader growth issues [3].
The September hearing is expected to clarify the legality of the UK government’s latest TCN demand and its implications for encryption and privacy in the UK market [1, 3].
