UK Relents on Demand for Access to Apple User Data, Reports Spy Chief

The UK government has dismissed claims made by Donald Trump’s intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, that Apple permits law enforcement to “backdoor” access to U.S. customer data.

Gabbard shared her assertion on X, following months of tension involving Apple, the UK government, and the U.S. presidency. Trump accused the UK of acting like China and warned Prime Minister Kiel Starmer, “You can’t do this.”

Neither the Home Office nor Apple has commented on the supposed agreement. Gabbard stated that this indicates the UK does not mandate Apple to provide access to secured, encrypted information related to American citizens, thus preventing backdoors that infringe on civil liberties.

The international dispute intensified when the Department of the Interior issued a “Technical Capacity Notice” to Apple under its statutory authority. Apple responded by initiating a legal challenge, but the Home Office insisted on confidentiality, although the instructed judge’s decision was later made public.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance remarked, “American citizens don’t want to be spied on.” He added that “we’re creating backdoors in our own tech networks that our adversaries are already exploiting,” labeling the situation as “crazy.”

Civil liberties advocates cautioned that backdoors could pose risks to politicians, activists, and minority groups.

In February, Apple retracted an option to enable advanced data protection features, prompting new UK customers to express their “deep disappointment” and declare they would never create a backdoor for their products. Consequently, many UK users remain vulnerable to data breaches and lack access to end-to-end encryption for services like iCloud drives, photos, notes, and reminders.

Gabbard noted, “In recent months, we have collaborated closely with our UK partners and President Trump to safeguard private data belonging to Americans and uphold constitutional rights and civil liberties.”

It’s uncertain if the notification requiring data access will be entirely retracted or modified. Theoretically, it may be restricted to allowing data access solely for UK citizens, but experts caution that this may be technically unfeasible. Additionally, there remains a risk that foreign governments could exploit any established backdoor.

It remains unclear whether Apple will regain access to the highest level of data protection for new UK customers.

The Home Office declined to confirm Gabbard’s statements, stating that it “does not comment on operational matters, including whether such notices exist.” They emphasized their long-standing joint security and intelligence agreement with the United States aimed at addressing the most serious threats, including terrorism and child sexual abuse, which involves the role of advanced technologies in exacerbating these issues.

“These agreements have consistently included safeguards to uphold privacy and sovereignty. For example, Data Access Agreements incorporate crucial protections to prevent the UK and the US from targeting each other’s citizens’ data. We are committed to enhancing these frameworks while maintaining a robust security structure that can effectively combat terrorism and ensure safety in the UK,” they added.

The UK Data Access Agreement permits UK agencies to directly request telecommunications content from service providers, including U.S. social media platforms and messaging services, but solely for the investigation, prevention, detection, and prosecution of serious crimes.

Apple was contacted for a statement.