The United Kingdom has reportedly issued a secret order requiring Apple to create a backdoor for government security officials to access encrypted iCloud data, according to The Washington Post. The undisclosed demand, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), would grant blanket access to all Apple users’ encrypted data worldwide, not just for targeted investigations. Apple has long opposed such measures, arguing that encryption backdoors compromise user security and could be exploited by hackers and foreign governments. The order primarily targets Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, which provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, photos, and notes. In response, Apple is reportedly considering removing encrypted storage services from the UK market rather than comply. However, this would not satisfy the UK’s demand for access to data stored outside Britain, including in the United States. Apple can appeal the order to a secret technical panel and a judge, but the IPA does not allow compliance delays during the appeal process, raising concerns about privacy and government overreach. Click here to read more.