WhatsApp Backs Apple in UK Encryption Legal Dispute

WhatsApp, led by Will Cathcart, has publicly joined Apple in its legal battle against the UK Home Office over a secret government order demanding a "backdoor" to access encrypted iCloud data. The UK government issued a Technical Capability Notice under the Investigatory Powers Act, compelling Apple to disable its Advanced Data Protection feature for UK users and provide access to encrypted data globally, a move critics warn could set a dangerous precedent and weaken digital privacy worldwide. Apple responded by pulling the encryption feature in the UK and initiating legal action to overturn the order, while WhatsApp has applied to intervene in the case to protect global user privacy. The dispute has drawn condemnation from US officials and civil liberties groups, who view the UK’s demands as an overreach that threatens cybersecurity and privacy rights. The UK Home Office defends its position as prioritizing public safety and combating serious crimes such as terrorism and child abuse, while maintaining it also respects privacy. This confrontation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing international debate over encryption, state surveillance, and the balance between security and individual privacy.