UK Government Wants Direct Access to Unencrypted iCloud Files Worldwide

UK authorities have demanded Apple provide them with what is essentially a backdoor to the cloud data stored by users worldwide, which in turn would give them unfettered access to everything users store in the cloud, no matter their location. 

For a couple of years now, Apple has offered its client base an option called Advanced Data Protection that allows users to encrypt their data in the cloud. This would mean that not even Apple could read that information. The only way to access encrypted data in the cloud would be via the device that sent it there. 

The official reason Apple offers is simple: If the cloud data is somehow compromised, it would be useless to attackers. However, it’s also much more difficult to recover. 

“Because Apple will not have the keys required to recover your data, you will be guided through verification of your recovery methods in case you ever lose access to your account,” says the company if you want to activate the feature.

It’s not a feature enabled by default, but it’s already used for some of the uploaded data, such as passwords for example. 

According to a report by The Washington Post, UK officials have issued an order to Apple to give the option to view any encrypted data, which would essentially give the UK government a direct backdoor into Apple’s could. 

One speculation is that Apple would stop offering this feature in the UK, but that wouldn’t comply with the order, because UK security officials want access to worldwide accounts, including the ones in the United States. This would be possible either by disabling the Advanced Data Protection entirely across the world, or by undermining its own encryption with master keys. 

The report also notes that Apple received a technical capability notice, forcing them to comply with the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016. While Apple can appeal this decision, the process doesn’t stop the order. 

If the UK enforces this order, it’s likely the current security features on Apple devices would be weakened, in the United Kingdom at the very least.