WhatsApp announced its support for Apple in its legal challenge against the UK Home Office over demands for access to user data protected by encryption. WhatsApp's boss, Will Cathcart, stated that weakening encryption sets a dangerous precedent globally. The dispute, which intensified after Apple pulled its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) system from the UK, raises concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, and national security under the UK's Investigatory Powers Act.
WhatsApp backs Apple in its legal row with the UK over user data
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️WhatsApp announced its support for Apple in its legal challenge against the UK Home Office over demands for access to user data protected by encryption. WhatsApp's boss, Will Cathcart, stated that weakening encryption sets a dangerous precedent globally. The dispute, which intensified after Apple pulled its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) system from the UK, raises concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, and national security under the UK's Investigatory Powers Act.
Trending- 1 2023: WhatsApp stated it would rather be blocked as a service than weaken E2EE.
- 2 February 2025: Apple's dispute with the UK government erupted when it emerged ministers were seeking access to information secured by its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) system.
- 3 Weeks following February 2025: The argument intensified, with Apple first pulling ADP in the UK and then taking legal action against the Home Office.
- 4 April 2025: A judge agreed with news organizations that certain details of the court case should be made public.
- 5 June 11, 2025: WhatsApp announced its plan to support Apple in its legal action.
- The case could set a dangerous precedent by emboldening other nations to seek to break encryption.
- It sparked outrage among US politicians, with some urging the US government to rethink intelligence-sharing arrangements with the UK.
- Civil liberties groups attacked the UK government, citing privacy and security implications for people worldwide.
- The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between national security and individual privacy in the digital age.
What: WhatsApp plans to support Apple in its legal action against the UK Home Office regarding user data privacy and the government's demands for access to encrypted information.
When: WhatsApp's announcement was made recently (published June 11, 2025). Apple's dispute with the UK government erupted in February (2025). The argument intensified in the weeks following February. A judge agreed in April (2025) that certain details of the court case should be made public. WhatsApp had stated in 2023 it would rather be blocked than weaken E2EE.
Where: United Kingdom (Home Office, courts). The dispute involves U.S. tech companies (Apple, WhatsApp) and U.S. politicians.
Why: The UK Home Office seeks access to encrypted user data for national security and crime prevention purposes. Apple and WhatsApp argue that weakening encryption (creating 'backdoors') compromises user privacy and cybersecurity, setting a dangerous global precedent that could be exploited by criminals.
How: WhatsApp's public statement of support and Apple's legal action against the Home Office, following the UK's demands under the Investigatory Powers Act. The case involves legal proceedings, some details of which have been made public by court order.