UK loses bid to keep Apple appeal against demand for iPhone 'backdoor' a secret

Core Viewpoint - Apple has successfully opposed the U.K. government's attempt to keep details of its appeal against a demand for a "backdoor" to access iPhone users' encrypted data secret [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Ruling - The U.K.'s Investigatory Powers Tribunal ruled against the government's request to keep the appeal hearing details private, emphasizing the importance of open justice [2]. - Judges stated that conducting a hearing entirely in secret would be an extraordinary step and a fundamental interference with justice principles [2]. Group 2: Government Demands - The appeal concerns a demand from the U.K. government for Apple to create a technical "backdoor" to access encrypted data protected by Apple's Advanced Data Protection (ADP) system [4]. - The Investigatory Powers Act of 2016 allows the U.K. government to compel tech companies to weaken encryption technologies, a controversial policy criticized by the tech industry and privacy advocates [5]. Group 3: Apple's Response - Apple has consistently resisted efforts to weaken its encryption, arguing that such actions would compromise user security and privacy [6]. - Following the government's order, Apple withdrew its ADP system for U.K. users in February, expressing disappointment over the loss of privacy options for customers [6]. - Apple reiterated its commitment to providing the highest level of security for user data and hopes to restore these protections in the future [7].