Apple has launched a new legal complaint against the UK government, challenging a demand for access to highly encrypted user data.
The tech giant has filed the complaint with a court that handles objections to the use of covert surveillance powers, following a long-standing row over the government's desire to be able to see material protected by an advanced data protection system.
The UK government has stated that it supports strong encryption and robust privacy protections, but believes that law enforcement should be able to access communications when necessary and proportionate to protect the public from terrorism, serious crime, and child sexual abuse.
Apple has referred to a previous statement, in which it expressed disappointment that it could not offer its Advanced Data Protection feature to new UK users, following its decision to withdraw it in February 2025.
The Advanced Data Protection feature allows users to turn on a higher level of protection for data stored in iCloud, such as back-ups, Drive storage, photos, and voice memos, using end-to-end encryption.
Privacy groups have welcomed Apple's new legal complaint, citing the importance of preserving privacy and security.
The case has far-reaching implications for the public's privacy rights and the use of surveillance powers.