backdoor” src=”https://www.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Apple-Privacy-1536×864.jpg” class=”post-image-img attachment-large wp-post-image” alt=”Apple privacy” data-ratio=”1.7777777777778″/>
The recent stance of the U.S. director of national intelligence puts a stop to UK’s push for an anti-privacy measure. Image: Apple
### U.S. Intelligence Officials Respond to UK’s Backdoor Demand from Apple
Tulsi Gabbard, recently appointed as the director of national intelligence (DNI) in the United States, has voiced strong opposition against a request from the British government demanding that Apple create a backdoor into its encrypted iCloud service on a global scale, labeling it as “a blatant infringement on American privacy rights.”
### Emphasis on Safeguarding American Privacy
Gabbard’s remarks highlight her commitment to preventing foreign entities from tapping into Americans’ private information without proper safeguards.
Concerns were reiterated by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Representative Andy Biggs (R-Arizona), who shared their apprehensions with Gabbard regarding this proposal. According to comments reported in the Washington Post, she stated: “I share your profound concern about the potential dangers that arise when any foreign nation seeks access—through requests like those directed at Apple—for backdoors into personal encrypted communications of Americans. Such actions threaten fundamental civil liberties and could expose us to significant cybersecurity threats.”
### A Firm Stance Against Unauthorized Access
Assuring detained citizens’ confidentiality, Gabbard asserted that she would prevent any unauthorized access by foreign governments into encrypted data maintained by companies like Apple.
“I am committed to ensuring that appropriate measures are put in place so that any requirement set forth by the UK government aligns with both the CLOUD Act and relevant legal frameworks,” added Gabbard.
### Apple’s Position on Legal Compliance
Due to restrictions imposed by Britain’s Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, Apple remains unable to engage publicly concerning this contentious issue where it has been ordered compliance regarding user data specifics.
Ordinarily, Apple’s operational policy adheres strictly to lawful mandates issued in jurisdictions wherein it conducts business; however, just last week they did implement modifications on iCloud encryption levels within the UK market—indicating partial compliance with local legal requirements.
Despite this approach, both Apple and other tech corporations have long recognized—and concurred with Gabbard—that intentionally programmed vulnerabilities within encryption systems can lead directly to exploitation opportunities for cybercriminals.
Enacted laws such as the CLOUD Act empower U.S. law enforcement agencies with subpoena capabilities aimed at accessing cloud-stored user data held abroad; importantly requiring appropriate warrants differs starkly from provisions under Britain’s Investigatory Powers Act which grants numerous agencies access without necessity for such oversight across global datasets.