Apple issues new challenge against UK order for access to private user data

Apple has confirmed it has launched a new legal complaint against the UK government at a court that deals with objections to the use of covert surveillance powers.

The tech giant has not told BBC News what the complaint relates to but the Financial Times , external has reported it is another challenge to a Home Office demand for so-called "backdoor" access to highly encrypted Apple user data.

The row, which centres on the government's desire to be able to see material protected by an advanced data protection system - which currently even Apple itself cannot access - has been rumbling on since early 2025.

The government said it would not comment on legal proceedings or what it called "operational matters".

But it added in a statement: "The UK supports strong encryption and robust privacy protections, but it is also vital that law enforcement can access communications when necessary and proportionate to protect the public from terrorism, serious crime, and child sexual abuse."

Apple has meanwhile referred reporters to a statement given last year, after its initial challenge to the UK government's request .

This said it was "gravely disappointed" it could still not offer its Advanced Data Protection feature to new UK users, following its decision to withdraw it in February 2025.

"As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will," the company added.