The UK government has reportedly ordered Apple to create a backdoor to access encrypted iCloud backups, giving security officials worldwide access without notifying users.

This secret order, based on the UK’s 2016 Investigatory Powers Act, demands blanket access to end-to-end encrypted files from all iCloud users, not just British ones.

In response, Apple may stop offering its Advanced Data Protection service in the UK.

However, this wouldn’t satisfy the UK’s demand. Apple can appeal, but it can’t delay the order’s implementation.

The move could set a precedent for other countries to demand similar access, The Verge has reported.

Other tech companies like Google and Meta have also faced pressure, but have resisted creating backdoors.

Written by B.C. Begley