PYMNTS.comยท2025-06-11 17:05Core Viewpoint - WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is joining a legal challenge against the U.K. government's demand for Apple to provide access to encrypted customer data, arguing that such actions would undermine encryption technology used by messaging services [1][2][3]. Group 1: Legal Challenges - WhatsApp is supporting two legal cases: one initiated by Apple and another by human rights organizations, asserting that the government's order could harm encryption technology [2]. - The U.K. Home Office issued the order under the Investigatory Powers Act in January, prompting legal responses from both Apple and WhatsApp [3][4]. - Apple has withdrawn its iCloud Advanced Data Protection service from the U.K. in response to the order and has initiated its own legal challenge [4]. Group 2: Company Responses - A WhatsApp spokesperson indicated that the company has not received a similar order to that of Apple but has previously stated it would withdraw from the U.K. if encryption is threatened [5]. - Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp, emphasized the company's commitment to challenging any law that seeks to weaken encryption and uphold the right to private online conversations [3]. Group 3: Government Position - The U.K. Home Office has not disclosed specific details regarding the order, and the Security Minister has stated that privacy and security can coexist [6]. - Authorities argue that strong encryption may hinder investigations into serious crimes, including terrorism and child exploitation [6]. Group 4: Tribunal Developments - The Investigatory Powers Tribunal confirmed that Apple is contesting the order and denied a request from the U.K. Home Office to keep case details confidential [7].