U.K. Demands Apple Build Backdoor To Access Users’ Encrypted Data Worldwide - 1

Image by Shahadat Rahman, from Unsplash

U.K. Demands Apple Build Backdoor To Access Users’ Encrypted Data Worldwide

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

The British government has secretly ordered Apple to provide unrestricted access to its encrypted cloud backups, a move that could compromise user privacy worldwide.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • UK demands Apple create a backdoor for encrypted cloud data globally.
  • Apple may withdraw encrypted storage in the UK rather than comply.
  • The order comes under the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act of 2016.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the demand—issued under the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act—requires Apple to create a backdoor for law enforcement, not just for targeted accounts but for all users globally, as first reported by The Washington Post .

Apple, known for its strong stance on privacy, is likely to withdraw encrypted storage services in the UK rather than comply, sources said.

However, this decision would not address the UK’s demand for access in other regions, including the United States. The company has not publicly commented on the matter, said The Post.

The order, known as a Technical Capability Notice, forces companies to provide access to encrypted data upon request. Under UK law, it is a criminal offense to disclose such demands. Apple does have an option to appeal the order, but the process does not allow delays in compliance, as reported by The Post.

In anticipation of this move, Apple warned UK lawmakers last March that forcing backdoor access would set a dangerous precedent.

“There is no reason why the U.K. [government] should have the authority to decide for citizens of the world whether they can avail themselves of the proven security benefits that flow from end-to-end encryption,” the company stated, as reported by The Post.

Privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts have condemned the UK’s actions. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) criticized the demand, warning that if the US allows Britain to force Apple’s compliance, “would be unconscionable and an unmitigated disaster for Americans’ privacy and our national security,” as reported by The Post.

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and UK authorities, argue that encryption enables criminals and terrorists to evade detection, said The Post.

Tech companies, however, have long resisted such demands, citing concerns that security weaknesses introduced for governments could also be exploited by cybercriminals and authoritarian regimes, as reported by The Post.

Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, launched in 2022, provides users with end-to-end encryption for cloud storage, meaning even Apple cannot access the data. While most users do not enable this feature, it prevents governments from secretly accessing stored messages, photos, and other sensitive data.

If the UK succeeds in forcing Apple to comply, it may embolden other nations, including China, to demand similar access. This could lead Apple to withdraw encrypted cloud services globally rather than risk compromising user privacy.

UAE To Invest Up To €50 Billion in Major AI Data Centre in France - 2

Photo by Fabien Maurin on Unsplash

UAE To Invest Up To €50 Billion in Major AI Data Centre in France

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

France and the United Arab Emirates announced a partnership on Thursday to develop a 1-gigawatt data center in France dedicated to artificial intelligence technologies.

In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!

  • France and the UAE will build a 1-gigawatt data center in France which will cost from 30 to 50 billion euros.
  • The new AI campus will be located in France and will become the largest AI data center in Europe.
  • The French government already identified 35 possible locations for the new data centers.

According to France 24 , President Emmanuel Macron said the new AI campus—part of a larger agreement he reached with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Paris—”represents investments of 30 to 50 billion euros” and will become the largest AI data center in Europe.

The new data center will store data and produce the large amounts of energy required to develop the advanced technology.

The announcement was made just days before the upcoming Summit for Action on AI, on February 10 and 11, where global leaders will gather in Paris to discuss the impact of AI in society. France and the European Union will face American and Chinese leaders in the industry.

The new agreement between France and the UAE is expected to help both nations stay on top of AI developments. According to Reuters , the governments said the investments will be made in French and Emirati AI and will include talent development, the acquisition of advanced AI chips, cloud infrastructures, virtual data embassies, and data centers.

France also announced that they have already identified 35 locations where they could host the AI data centers.

“The two leaders expressed their desire to create a strategic partnership in the field of AI and committed to exploring collaborations on projects and investments supporting the development of the AI value chain,” was written in a Franco-Emirati public statement according to Reuters.

The European Commission recently published guidelines to educate stakeholders on best practices and prohibited uses of AI , as defined by the European Union’s AI Act, expected to be discussed at the Summit.

France and the UAE are not the only countries building new centers for AI technology in 2025. The United States, along with other companies including OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, announced a $500 billion project called Stargate to build infrastructure to develop advanced AI technologies in the United States.