UK spy powers draw US scrutiny over alleged Apple encryption backdoor demand
UK surveillance laws under the Investigatory Powers Act are facing US scrutiny after claims they forced a company to weaken encryption, potentially exposing communications of American officials. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan demanded a review, warning the lack of transparency could strain US-UK intelligence cooperation and create vulnerabilities exploited by hostile states like China, Russia, and Iran.
US lawmakers raised concerns over the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act after reports suggested it compelled a company to create encryption backdoors under secret Technical Capability Notices. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, sent a letter to UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on June 5, criticizing the denial of a US company’s request to discuss the matter with Congress. Jordan warned the lack of coordination risked undermining trust between the Five Eyes alliance, which relies on shared cybersecurity standards. Critics argue the UK’s rules prevent companies from disclosing government requests, leaving encryption vulnerabilities unaddressed. Former Department of Defense official Andrew Badger warned that such backdoors could be exploited by adversaries like China, which has already compromised sensitive communications through telecom provider intercepts. He cited the Salt Typhoon campaign, linked to China, which targeted Western officials and networks across 80 countries. Badger emphasized that encrypted platforms now serve as critical infrastructure for government communications, making any forced access point a permanent security risk. The UK’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, reportedly used a burner phone during a trip to Beijing, further raising concerns about state-sponsored espionage. Jordan’s letter highlighted the need for bilateral transparency to prevent unintended exposure of American officials. The UK government has not publicly commented on the allegations, but the dispute reflects broader tensions over surveillance laws and their impact on global cybersecurity. Experts warn that weakening encryption could embolden hostile actors, while the Five Eyes alliance faces strain over differing approaches to digital privacy and national security.
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