British security officials have reportedly ordered Apple to create a so-called “backdoor” that would grant authorities access to all content uploaded by Apple users worldwide, according to The Washington Post on Friday.
The report, citing sources familiar with the matter, suggests that Apple is likely to discontinue its encrypted cloud storage services in the UK rather than compromise its global security commitments to users.
According to The Washington Post, the UK Home Office has issued a Technical Capability Notice to Apple, legally mandating the company to provide access to user data stored in the cloud.
A spokesperson for the Home Office declined to confirm or deny the existence of such a notice, stating, “We do not comment on operational matters.”
This latest development comes as British regulators ramp up scrutiny of major tech firms. In January, the UK government launched an investigation into Apple and Google, focusing on their control over smartphone operating systems, app stores, and web browsers.
If Apple follows through with its reported decision to remove encrypted storage in the UK, it could reignite debates over user privacy, government surveillance, and tech companies’ responsibility to protect consumer data.
