UK drops Apple encryption demands, says US spy chief

Core Viewpoint - The UK government has retracted its demand for Apple to create a backdoor for accessing encrypted user data, which would have compromised civil liberties and privacy for American citizens [1][8]. Group 1: Government Actions - The UK had previously ordered Apple to develop a method for its security services to access encrypted user data through Technical Capability Notices (TCN), which are not publicly disclosed [2]. - A UK government spokesperson confirmed the existence of long-standing joint security and intelligence arrangements with the US to address serious threats, while emphasizing the importance of privacy safeguards [5][6]. Group 2: Apple’s Response - Following the UK government's demands, Apple withdrew its "advanced data protection" feature for UK users, which provided end-to-end encryption for cloud data storage [2][7]. - Apple cited the increasing risks of data breaches and threats to customer privacy as reasons for the withdrawal of this feature [7]. Group 3: Reactions and Implications - US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard expressed concerns about any country requiring companies like Apple to create backdoors, labeling it a violation of privacy and civil liberties [8]. - Civil rights groups welcomed the UK’s decision to drop the backdoor demand, viewing it as a positive step towards protecting private data [9]. - Concerns remain regarding the Investigatory Powers Act, which could allow future governments to impose similar demands on encryption services [10].