The UK Home Office is rumored to have requested Apple to weaken iCloud encryption. US officials are concerned that this could have global repercussions and are advising the US to reassess its ties with the UK. US Senator Ron Wyden and Member of Congress Andy Biggs are urging US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to oppose the UK’s request for an iCloud backdoor, as they believe it could jeopardize cybersecurity. They point out that if Apple complies, it could weaken security not only in the UK but also in the US and other countries using the same encryption software.

The move by the UK government to reportedly order Apple to weaken its encryption under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 has raised concerns. Wyden and Biggs have characterized it as an attempt to aid government surveillance, stating that allowing backdoor access could lead to data being stored in less secure locations, citing a previous incident involving Chinese threat actors accessing US Government officials’ emails during a hack. They emphasize the importance of cybersecurity and urge Gabbard to reconsider US-UK cybersecurity arrangements if the UK does not reverse its request.

Moreover, 109 civil society organizations, companies, and cybersecurity experts have jointly signed a letter urging the UK Home Office to retract its request, with signatures being collected until February 20. The collective’s finalized letter will be sent to the Home Office to express their concerns.