The US director of national intelligence has said the UK has withdrawn its demand that Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) creates a back door into encrypted user data, a move that had alarmed privacy advocates and technology companies.
Tulsi Gabbard said the order would have compromised the security of American citizens’ information and undermined civil liberties.
Apple had previously challenged the UK notice, issued under the Investigatory Powers Act, and pulled its Advanced Data Protection feature from the UK market to avoid compliance.
The government has not confirmed the reversal, saying it does not comment on operational matters.
Civil rights groups welcomed the reported retreat but warned that powers allowing ministers to compel access to encrypted communications remain on the statute books.