Apple's encryption row with UK should not be secret, court rules

a year ago

A UK court ruled that the legal dispute between Apple and the UK government over data privacy cannot be held in secret.
The UK Home Office seeks access to data protected by Apple's Advanced Data Protection (ADP) system under the Investigatory Powers Act.
Apple opposes creating a 'backdoor' into ADP, citing security risks from hackers and criminals.
The government argued that public disclosure of the case details would harm national security, but the tribunal rejected this, citing the principle of open justice.
Privacy and digital rights groups, including Open Rights Group and Big Brother Watch, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing public interest and transparency.
ADP uses end-to-end encryption (E2EE), making data accessible only to the user, posing challenges for law enforcement.
The Home Office clarified it is not seeking blanket data access and requires court-approved warrants for individual account access.
Apple reiterated its commitment to user privacy and security, stating it will never create a backdoor.

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