London – The UK Government is reported to have dropped its demand for Apple to provide “backdoor” access to user data. The order was reported earlier this year to have been issued under the U.K.’s controversial Investigatory Powers Act, and was followed by the removal of end-to-end encryption for a range of services, increasing their vulnerability.
This development comes after pressure from senior U.S. officials, privacy advocates, and industry voices. It reflects a significant victory for user privacy against backdoors in data-driven products and services. CCIA has advocated for strong encryption for more than 25 years.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Senior Director and head of CCIA’s London office Matthew Sinclair:
“While we do not know what could be important details about the scope, it is right that the UK Government has responded to concerns that a Home Office order was undermining important security features. Industry warned the regime would weaken security for users and lead to international disputes. Ministers should follow up on this welcome step by improving the guardrails around the Investigatory Powers Act to stop this happening again.”
