“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,” Gabbard posted to X on Monday. “As a result, 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.”

The initial demand from the UK, made in January, sought backdoor access to encrypted files uploaded by users globally The Verge. In response, Apple suspended the availability of its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) encrypted iCloud storage option for new users in the UK The Verge. Apple challenged the order and was granted the right to discuss the case publicly in April. US officials also began investigating whether the UK’s demand violated the CLOUD Act agreement, which prevents the UK and US from demanding each other’s data.

US Pressure Led to Reversal

“Over the past few months,I’ve been working closely with our partners in the UK…to ensure Americans’ private data remains private…”

Reports last month indicated that the UK was reconsidering its demands to Apple due to pressure from the US The Verge. One UK official told the Financial Times that the UK “had its back against the wall,” and was seeking a resolution. It remains uncertain whether the UK will pursue new negotiations with Apple that avoid compromising the data of US citizens; however, a US official suggested to The Financial Times that such negotiations would violate the existing agreement.

With the order now reportedly withdrawn, it is indeed unclear if Apple will reinstate access to its ADP service in the UK. We have reached out to Apple for comment. The UK Home Office has declined to comment.