A dispute over digital privacy has erupted between the U.S. and U.K. after British officials attempted to force Apple to weaken iCloud security. President Donald Trump criticized the demand, comparing it to surveillance practices associated with China. Apple, rather than comply, removed its Advanced Data Protection feature for U.K. users, preventing the government from gaining backdoor access to encrypted data.
Trump’s remarks came after a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, where he reportedly told him, “You can’t do this.” He later doubled down on his opposition, stating, “That’s something, you know, that you hear about with China,” in reference to government-mandated surveillance.
https://t.co/vs1oTCO0il
UK is demanding Apple put a back door in iCloud so they can spy on ppl, our NATO allies R NO different than China who controls more of the world than the USSR ever dreamed of— Pete Cooley (@liveinreality20) March 1, 2025
Under the U.K.’s Investigatory Powers Act, authorities issued a “technical capability notice” to Apple, compelling it to create a security loophole for law enforcement. The law also prevents companies from publicly disclosing such orders. Apple rejected the demand, citing user privacy and security concerns.
Donald Trump is calling out the UK government for allegedly removing security elements on Apple devices, drawing parallels with China's practices. This controversy might be related to the UK's reported demand for an iCloud backdoor, which led Apple to withdraw its Advanced Data…
— Raggy 🐉 (@Raggy_521) March 1, 2025
In Washington, U.S. officials are taking the issue seriously. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called Britain’s move an “egregious violation” of privacy and ordered intelligence and legal teams to investigate its implications. Experts warn that a weakened encryption system could be exploited by foreign governments, putting Americans’ data at risk.
Trump weighs in on the UK's iCloud backdoor request, telling PM Starmer that this is a slippery slope that sounds more like something you'd hear from China. Is privacy at risk or is it just political theater? Dive into the details here: https://t.co/IGRE9ahxtn
— Munshipremchand (@MunshiPremChnd) February 28, 2025
The U.K. has faced growing criticism over its increasing surveillance powers, with authorities cracking down on online speech. Some have been arrested for supporting anti-mass migration demonstrations, while others have faced police action for silent prayer near abortion clinics. The British government defends its policies by citing the need for stronger security measures to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Hackers and criminals will be better at stealing our information than the government – they will get it first, IMO. Then China will get it.
And @MarioNawfal this won't just be the UK – once the door is opened every iCloud account will be open including the USA . @DataRepublican
— Philosophy Doc🦐, Civil Liberties (@Philosophy_the) February 22, 2025
While privacy concerns remain a sticking point, trade relations were also a topic of discussion between Trump and Starmer. The U.K. is looking for assurances that it will not be subject to new U.S. tariffs as Washington adjusts its economic policies.
