The UK government wants Apple to hand over your private iCloud data—and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is furious. Buterin’s stance aligns with growing concerns that the move could set a dangerous precedent for mass surveillance and cyber vulnerabilities.
Apple’s Compliance Sparks Privacy Backlash
Apple recently disabled its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for customers in the UK, following government pressure to provide access to encrypted iCloud backups. This means that both Apple and the UK government now have the ability to access previously private user data, sparking outrage among privacy advocates and UK citizens.
“No UK customer data stored on iCloud will be encrypted, making it all accessible by Apple, the Government, and – frankly – the most horrific hackers you can possibly imagine,” journalist Tom Harwood warned on X.
Apple insists that certain categories of sensitive data, including iCloud Keychain passwords, health data, and communications via iMessage and FaceTime, will remain end-to-end encrypted. However, critics argue that removing ADP still exposes a massive trove of user data to potential misuse.
UK Government Cites National Security – But at What Cost?
The UK government justified its request by citing the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, a controversial law that grants authorities broad surveillance powers. Under a secret order, Apple was compelled to disable ADP for UK users, making their cloud data accessible upon government request.
Apple’s decision stands in stark contrast to its longstanding resistance to law enforcement backdoor requests. Notably, in 2016, the company refused to unlock the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone, igniting a high-profile standoff with the FBI.
Now, by complying with the UK government’s order, Apple is effectively compromising its encryption standards, leaving users more vulnerable to state surveillance and potential data breaches.
Vitalik Buterin: A Strong Voice Against Encryption Backdoors
Amid rising backlash, Vitalik Buterin took to X to denounce the UK’s demand and Apple’s compliance.
“Glad to see this backdoor push getting a much-deserved smackdown,” Buterin tweeted in response to former UK Secretary of State for Defense, Ben Wallace.
Buterin has long advocated for decentralized security models, warning against the risks of centralized data collection points. He highlighted how government and corporate databases are attractive targets for cybercriminals, referencing the Louisiana drivers’ license cyber attack as a cautionary tale.
Beyond criticizing the UK government, Buterin urged security agencies like the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) and the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) to focus on enhancing citizens’ digital security rather than eroding encryption standards.
The Broader Implications: Privacy vs. Government Control
Apple’s compliance with the UK government’s demands raises critical questions about the future of digital privacy. If a major tech company like Apple can be forced to weaken its security policies in one jurisdiction, it sets a precedent for other governments to follow suit. This could result in a global erosion of encryption standards, making user data more susceptible to surveillance and cyber threats.
With governments worldwide increasing their surveillance capabilities, Buterin’s warning serves as a wake-up call to the broader tech community and policymakers.
What’s Next?
As the debate over encryption and government surveillance intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Apple will reverse its decision under mounting pressure from privacy advocates and the crypto community. Meanwhile, Buterin’s stance reinforces the importance of decentralization and the need for stronger security measures to protect user data from both state and malicious actors.
With more digital rights at stake, the fight for encryption and privacy is far from over and the world is watching.
