The encrypted data of millions of Apple users worldwide could reportedly be handed over to the government.
The Home Office has ordered Apple to let it access encrypted data stored in its cloud service, The Washington Post reported.
The target of the order is Apple’s end-to-encryption service, which the tech giant itself cannot access.
Encryption is a type of snoop-proof security that jumbles messages, making them readable only by the sender and the intended recipient.
Privacy hawks sounded the alarm about the government’s action, calling the move an ‘unprecedented attack on privacy rights’.
Big Brother Watch said: ‘We are extremely troubled by reports that the UK government has ordered Apple to create a backdoor that would effectively break encryption for millions of users.
‘Breaking encryption will not make us safer. Instead, it will erode the fundamental rights and civil liberties of the entire population.’
Using the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, branded the Snoopers’ Charter by critics, the government demanded Apple create a back door to their encrypted data.
The Act, which the Home Office issued last month, can force companiesto comply when the government needs to collect evidence.
Apple could be forced to follow the order or have to withdraw its encrypted services from the UK.
This would not stop the government from demanding access to the encrypted data of millions of users in other countries.
Previous attempts by the US government to access encrypted files have been rejected by the tech giant.
The Home Office and Apple have been approached for comment, although the order notice cannot be made public legally.
The Home Office said: ‘We do not comment on operational matters, including for example confirming or denying the existence of any such notices’.
Apple describes privacy as a ‘fundamental human right’ on its website.
The government’s diktat was not aimed at a single account but instead demanded complete access to view encrypted material across the cloud.
The primary target of the government’s order is Apple’s additional Advanced Data Protection service
This opt-in feature turns on end-to-end encryption for backups and other data stored in iCloud.
End-to-end encryption services like these have been a source of concern for security services for years.
They argue the service allows terrorists and child abusers to conceal their criminal activity from police view.
Apple can appeal against the order to a secretive panel, but that process can not delay the tech company handing over the private data.
In response to the article published by the Washington Post, privacy campaigners warned the government was undermining security with their order.
Open Rights Group said: ‘The government want to be able to access anything and everything, anywhere, any time.
‘Their ambition to undermine basic security is frightening, unaccountable and would make everyone less safe.
‘WhatsApp and other services will be next in their sights.
‘They seek to do this in secret, with minimal accountability, and potentially global impacts. It is straightforward bullying.’
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