Summary
A court document suggests that the UK government asked Apple for access to more types of customer data than was previously known. The request was related to Apple's encrypted data service, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), and it involved demands for access to data that Apple users store globally. The UK wanted this access for national security reasons, despite earlier reports that such demands had been dropped.
Key Facts
- The UK government requested access to encrypted user data from Apple under the Investigatory Powers Act.
- The data involved is part of Apple's Advanced Data Protection (ADP), which uses strong encryption.
- ADP offers end-to-end encryption, meaning only the user can access their data, not even Apple.
- The UK's request included data from global users, not just those in the UK.
- Apple removed its data protection tool from UK customers following backlash from US politicians and privacy advocates.
- A Technical Capability Notice (TCN) from the UK required Apple to disclose certain data categories.
- The court case is being handled by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, which oversees claims of unlawful actions by public bodies.
