Apple has refused to comply with a U.K. directive that would have compromised iCloud security, a decision that has drawn praise from President Donald Trump while raising concerns about privacy rights. British authorities wanted Apple to create a way for law enforcement to access encrypted cloud data, but the tech company instead removed its Advanced Data Protection feature for U.K. users rather than weaken its security.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump criticized the U.K.’s request, likening it to the kind of government control associated with China. “That’s something, you know, that you hear about with China,” he said, making clear his disapproval of Britain’s push for broader surveillance powers.

https://t.co/vs1oTCO0il
UK is demanding Apple put a back door in iCloud so they can spy on ppl, our NATO allies R NO different than China who controls more of the world than the USSR ever dreamed of

— Pete Cooley (@liveinreality20) March 1, 2025

The demand came under the U.K.’s Investigatory Powers Act, a law that allows the government to secretly issue orders requiring companies to break encryption and provide access to stored data. Apple, which designed its system to be secure even from itself, has opposed the mandate, arguing it would set a dangerous precedent for digital privacy worldwide.

Donald Trump is calling out the UK government for allegedly removing security elements on Apple devices, drawing parallels with China's practices. This controversy might be related to the UK's reported demand for an iCloud backdoor, which led Apple to withdraw its Advanced Data…

— Raggy 🐉 (@Raggy_521) March 1, 2025

Concerns over the U.K.’s increasing surveillance powers have also reached the U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard called the move an “egregious violation” of privacy and confirmed that intelligence and legal teams were examining its potential consequences for Americans. Critics fear the U.K.’s law could be used to justify similar demands elsewhere, giving governments sweeping control over encrypted information.

Trump weighs in on the UK's iCloud backdoor request, telling PM Starmer that this is a slippery slope that sounds more like something you'd hear from China. Is privacy at risk or is it just political theater? Dive into the details here: https://t.co/IGRE9ahxtn

— Munshipremchand (@MunshiPremChnd) February 28, 2025

The U.K. government claims these measures are necessary for national security, citing concerns over terrorism and serious crimes. However, the country has faced backlash for arresting people over speech-related offenses, including those supporting anti-mass migration protests. Others have been detained simply for silently praying near abortion clinics, raising additional questions about freedom of expression.

Hackers and criminals will be better at stealing our information than the government – they will get it first, IMO. Then China will get it.

And @MarioNawfal this won't just be the UK – once the door is opened every iCloud account will be open including the USA . @DataRepublican

— Philosophy Doc🦐, Civil Liberties (@Philosophy_the) February 22, 2025

Starmer and Trump also discussed economic issues during their meeting, including trade policies that could protect Britain from U.S. tariffs. Despite the privacy dispute, both sides indicated they were working toward stronger economic ties.