By The UK government has abandoned its request for Apple to create a backdoor into its encryption systems, according to US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard.
In a post on X, Gabbard said the UK had formally dropped the mandate that would have compelled Apple to provide access to encrypted data, including that of American citizens. She described the decision as a victory for civil liberties, writing:
“The UK has agreed to drop its mandate for Apple to provide a back door that would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens and encroached on our civil liberties.”
Gabbard credited the outcome to months of coordination between US and UK security officials, as well as discussions with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Earlier this year, reports surfaced that the UK had issued a Technical Capability Notice (TCN) ordering Apple to create a system that would allow security services to access encrypted user data. Such notices are confidential, and by law, neither the government nor the affected company can confirm their existence publicly.
Apple has not responded to requests for comment on Gabbard’s statement. A UK government spokesperson also declined to address the specific claim, citing a policy of not commenting on operational matters.
However, the spokesperson stressed that Britain maintains long-standing intelligence-sharing arrangements with the United States to combat serious threats, including terrorism and child sexual abuse. They noted that advances in technology continue to play a significant role in enabling such threats.
