Apple vs. UK Government: Secret Hearing on Encrypted Data Access Begins

Apple’s Encryption Battle Heads to Court Behind Closed Doors

Apple’s legal battle against the UK government’s demand for encrypted data access has begun in secrecy at the Royal Courts of Justice. The case centers around Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature, which ensures end-to-end encryption, preventing anyone—including Apple itself—from accessing users’ data.

Government vs. Privacy: The Core Dispute

The UK Home Office argues that access to encrypted data is crucial for national security, enabling law enforcement to prevent serious crimes such as terrorism and child exploitation. However, Apple maintains that compromising encryption would create security vulnerabilities, putting users at risk of hacking and surveillance.

In response to government pressure, Apple withdrew ADP from the UK and launched legal proceedings to challenge the demand.

A Secretive Legal Battle Sparks Backlash

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal is handling the case, but Friday’s session was held behind closed doors, excluding journalists from major outlets such as the BBC, Guardian, Telegraph, PA, Bloomberg, and Computer Weekly. The BBC and civil liberties groups have urged the court to make proceedings public, citing transparency concerns.

Adding to the pressure, five US politicians from both political parties have called on the UK to lift the “cloak of secrecy” around the case, warning of its major global security implications.

Apple’s Stance on Encryption and Backdoors

Apple argues that creating a backdoor for UK authorities would compromise security worldwide. The company states:

“We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will.”

What’s Next?

It remains unclear whether future hearings will be opened to the public. Meanwhile, privacy advocates warn that weakening encryption in one country could set a dangerous precedent globally.

The case is expected to be a landmark battle between privacy rights and national security, shaping the future of end-to-end encryption laws in the UK and beyond.