WhatsApp has submitted evidence to support Apple’s legal battle against the UK Home Office’s request to access encrypted user data. The company’s CEO, Will Cathcart, has warned that such demands could set a dangerous precedent, enabling other nations to weaken encryption protections. Apple initially pulled its Advanced Data Protection system from the UK before challenging the government in court.
The confrontation began when Apple received a secret Technical Capability Notice from the UK government, demanding the right to access data from its global customers for national security purposes. Apple responded by first pulling its Advanced Data Protection system from the UK, then taking the government to court to overturn the request. Cathcart said WhatsApp would challenge any law or government request that seeks to weaken the encryption of its services.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has called the UK’s demands an ‘egregyous violation’ of American citizens’ privacy rights. The dispute highlights the growing tension between government surveillance efforts and digital privacy advocates. Tech companies argue that compromising encryption for national security purposes would create vulnerabilities that could be exploited by criminals and foreign adversaries.