CIA Investigates UK’s Alleged Backdoor Request to Apple for Encryption | Politics News
The CIA, NSA, and various other US intelligence agencies have been asked to look into a reported request from the UK government for Apple to incorporate a backdoor in its encryption systems.
Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence (DNI), revealed the measures in a letter to two US lawmakers who expressed concerns regarding the issue.
Recently, Apple withdrew several of its secure storage features from the UK. Reports have indicated that the UK government requested the US tech giant to grant it access to users’ protected data globally.
Both the current Labour government and previous Tory administrations, along with campaigners, advocate for less stringent encryption to safeguard children and deter crime.
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This recent development arises as Sir Keir Starmer travels to Washington DC for a meeting with President Donald Trump.
Sir Keir has emphasized technological advancement—particularly AI—as vital to his strategy for boosting the UK economy, hoping to strengthen connections with leaders in Silicon Valley and beyond.
It remains uncertain whether the UK’s reported efforts to impose regulations on a US-based company will affect negotiations with the president.
The UK government is reported to have made the demand to Apple under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, also referred to as the “Snooper’s Charter.”
The government has not disclosed whether it has issued orders under the act, nor has it commented on specifics related to Apple.
Apple is likewise barred from commenting about whether an order was made.
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Public outcry over apple security
In her correspondence, Ms. Gabbard expressed her “serious concern” regarding the potential for the UK or any other nation “to mandate that Apple or any firm create a ‘backdoor’ that would permit access to Americans’ encrypted personal data.”
She noted: “This would constitute a blatant violation of Americans’ privacy and civil liberties, while simultaneously introducing a significant vulnerability to cyber exploitation by hostile entities.”
Ms. Gabbard, who shares close ties with Mr. Trump, stated she was not informed of the order by the UK.
She has asked the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency), DHS (Department of Homeland Security), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), and NSA (National Security Agency) for “insights” regarding the public domain implications.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard has criticized the reported actions of the UK. Pic: AP
The US government lawyers have also been asked to provide a legal perspective on the ramifications of the alleged order concerning the bilateral Cloud Act agreement.
The DNI pointed out that the agreement prohibits either nation from making demands for the data of citizens or nationals of the other country.
Ms. Gabbard’s letter was a response to correspondence from Democrat Senator Ron Wyden and Republican Representative Andy Biggs, sent nearly two weeks ago.
This correspondence occurred before Apple decided to withdraw its Advanced Data Protection from the UK, but after reports surfaced regarding the request made to the iPhone and Mac manufacturers.
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The two lawmakers cautioned that “These reported actions pose a significant threat to the privacy and security of both the American populace and the US government.”
They urged Ms. Gabbard to “reevaluate US-UK cybersecurity arrangements and programs, as well as US intelligence sharing with the UK” should the UK persist with its current course.
The Home Office has been contacted for comments.
