US Lawmakers Seek Briefing from UK Over Reported Encryption Order Directed at Apple
Congressional figures raise concerns about potential implications of alleged UK ‘backdoor’ demand for global data security and transatlantic privacy standards
Senior US lawmakers have requested a formal briefing from British officials following reports that the UK government has issued a legal order to Apple seeking access to encrypted user data.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, the request relates to powers available under the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act, legislation that allows authorities to compel technology companies to provide assistance in accessing data in the interests of national security or serious crime investigations.
The reported order has been characterised by some US legislators as a potential demand for a technical capability that could weaken end-to-end encryption protections.
Members of Congress from both parties have expressed concern about the broader implications for digital privacy and cybersecurity, particularly if compliance were to create vulnerabilities affecting users beyond the United Kingdom.
In communications seeking clarification, US lawmakers have reportedly asked British counterparts to explain the legal basis, scope and safeguards surrounding any such directive.
The issue has revived longstanding tensions between governments seeking lawful access to encrypted communications and technology companies that argue encryption backdoors could undermine global user trust and expose systems to malicious actors.
Apple has previously maintained that it designs its security architecture so that it cannot access certain categories of user data, a position it says is essential to protecting customers worldwide.
UK authorities have consistently defended the Investigatory Powers Act as containing robust oversight mechanisms, including judicial authorisation and independent review processes.
Officials argue that lawful access powers are narrowly targeted and necessary to combat terrorism, child exploitation and other serious crimes.
The reported request comes at a sensitive moment in transatlantic relations over technology regulation, data governance and national security cooperation.
Observers note that any dispute over encryption could carry broader diplomatic ramifications, particularly if US-based companies are compelled to alter global security features in response to foreign legal demands.
Neither the UK government nor Apple has publicly detailed the specifics of the alleged order.
Discussions between US and UK officials are expected to clarify the situation and assess potential impacts on privacy standards, commercial interests and intelligence collaboration.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, the request relates to powers available under the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act, legislation that allows authorities to compel technology companies to provide assistance in accessing data in the interests of national security or serious crime investigations.
The reported order has been characterised by some US legislators as a potential demand for a technical capability that could weaken end-to-end encryption protections.
Members of Congress from both parties have expressed concern about the broader implications for digital privacy and cybersecurity, particularly if compliance were to create vulnerabilities affecting users beyond the United Kingdom.
In communications seeking clarification, US lawmakers have reportedly asked British counterparts to explain the legal basis, scope and safeguards surrounding any such directive.
The issue has revived longstanding tensions between governments seeking lawful access to encrypted communications and technology companies that argue encryption backdoors could undermine global user trust and expose systems to malicious actors.
Apple has previously maintained that it designs its security architecture so that it cannot access certain categories of user data, a position it says is essential to protecting customers worldwide.
UK authorities have consistently defended the Investigatory Powers Act as containing robust oversight mechanisms, including judicial authorisation and independent review processes.
Officials argue that lawful access powers are narrowly targeted and necessary to combat terrorism, child exploitation and other serious crimes.
The reported request comes at a sensitive moment in transatlantic relations over technology regulation, data governance and national security cooperation.
Observers note that any dispute over encryption could carry broader diplomatic ramifications, particularly if US-based companies are compelled to alter global security features in response to foreign legal demands.
Neither the UK government nor Apple has publicly detailed the specifics of the alleged order.
Discussions between US and UK officials are expected to clarify the situation and assess potential impacts on privacy standards, commercial interests and intelligence collaboration.
