Liberty: Our case against the Government’s secret plans to force Apple to give it access to people’s iCloud data is officially going ahead!
Posted: 8th April 2025
We have just found out that our case against the Government’s secret plans to force Apple to give it access to people’s iCloud data is officially going ahead! It was announced this week that the Investigatory Powers Tribunal will hear our case with Privacy International.
You may remember that last month, we announced our plans to challenge this move from the Government. It was revealed that the Home Secretary was using her powers to demand that Apple give the UK Government access to secured and private data. This would mean that the Government would be able to view your personal data previously protected and viewable only by you.
If you’re new to this case, Apple’s end-to-end encryption, known as Advanced Data Protection (ADP) allows Apple iCloud users to have their data secured and protected, so that it is only accessible by the user. The UK Government has issued Apple with a Technical Capability Notice (TCN) to create a backdoor to access users’ personal data. This attempt to create a back door through the security that ADP ensures could put billions of people’s personal data – their bank details, health information, photos and private messages – at risk.
This is a reckless and unprecedented move that could have global consequences. Human rights activists, LGBT+ communities and political dissidents from across the globe would all be at risk of being targeted if this backdoor is created, as anyone could use the back door to access our data.
That’s why we are teaming up with Privacy International to challenge the UK Government’s decision, and its underlying powers to make this decision, and stand up to protect our rights to privacy and free expression. But we can’t face this challenge alone! If you are able to, please chip in to help us continue to stand up to power in this way.
This deeply concerning move from the Government shows that we need to take action against further attempts to threaten our rights. We should all have the right to feel safe when saving photos and sharing sensitive personal information. Keep an eye on your inbox for more updates on this case, and until then, please donate if you can, or spread the word about the case. It is only with your support that we can continue our work in the courts.
Thank you again,
Megan Goulding, Lawyer