Apple has launched a legal challenge at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal against the UK government's attempt to access encrypted customer data. The dispute centers on a new "technical capability notice" (TCN) issued under the Investigatory Powers Act, which demands that the iPhone maker allow access to encrypted cloud backups belonging to British users.

This follows a previous diplomatic row where the Home Office dropped an order after pressure from Washington. However, the new notice specifically targets UK users without applying to American customers. Apple argues that any such "backdoor" would compromise the security of its systems for all users. In response to original demands, Apple withdrew UK customers' access to its iCloud Advanced Data Protection system in January 2025.

The Home Office maintains that these powers are essential for law enforcement to investigate terrorism and child sexual abuse, asserting that privacy and security are not at odds. Human rights groups, including Privacy International and Liberty, have also launched complaints regarding these notices. A case management hearing is scheduled for next month to address these parallel legal challenges.