Apple has secured a major win in its global privacy battle. The United Kingdom has agreed to drop its mandate that would have forced the iPhone maker to create a “backdoor” into its encrypted devices and services. The decision followed strong concerns from US lawmakers like Tulsi Gabbard, who warned that such a demand could put millions of users at risk.
Gabbard’s Role in the Deal
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the breakthrough on Monday. She said she worked for months with British officials, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance to reach the agreement.
Over the past few months, I’ve been working closely with our partners in the UK, alongside @POTUS and @VP, to ensure Americans’ private data remains private and our Constitutional rights and civil liberties are protected.
As a result, the UK has agreed to drop its mandate for…
— DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) August 19, 2025
Gabbard posted on X that Washington had pressed London to reconsider its stance. According to her, both allies eventually understood the dangers of forcing companies to weaken encryption.
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US Concerns on Cyber Threats
The United States had raised an alarm earlier this year. In May, lawmakers said the UK’s order could backfire. They argued that a backdoor to Apple’s encrypted user data would not just help governments.
It could also give cybercriminals and authoritarian regimes new tools to exploit. Critics warned that even one weak link could expose millions of Americans’ personal information.
Apple’s Defiance and Legal Fight
Apple had resisted the UK’s order from the start. The company argued that building a backdoor would destroy user trust and open the door to abuse. It took the case to the UK’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the body that reviews such disputes.
Apple also pulled back its Advanced Data Protection feature from UK users in February. This feature will make sure that iCloud data can only be unlocked by users and not even by Apple.
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Win for Privacy Rights
The UK’s withdrawal is a symbolic victory for Apple and privacy advocates. It shows how even close allies like Washington and London must weigh the needs for security with those for individual liberties.
One of the most effective barriers to digital freedom is still encryption. Governments still push their boundaries. Gabbard’s announcement highlights how intelligence leaders also see the risks of weak encryption.
Bigger Picture
The debate is far from over. More governments may try to push Apple and other tech firms to open access in the future. However, the UK decision signals that international pressure and public opposition can shape outcomes. For now, Apple has defended its promise never to build a backdoor.
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