The clash between personal privacy and government access to data intensified in 2025, sparking legal battles and international disputes.
The year saw the first reports of the UK Home Office pushing Apple to grant access to encrypted data stored on its iCloud Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service, igniting a debate over surveillance powers and data security.
Apple Encryption Fight Goes International
Table of Contents
- Apple Encryption Fight Goes International
- EU Faces Backlash Over Proposed chat Control
- Europol’s Secretive AI Program Raises Privacy Concerns
- Data Watchdog Selection Questioned
- Concerns Over Data Watchdog Appointment
- Legal Battle Over Encrypted Phone Distribution
- Preserving the History of Signals Intelligence
The UK governmentS attempt to compel Apple to weaken encryption sparked outrage from US lawmakers and raised concerns about the privacy of American citizens.
Legal proceedings unfolded as Apple challenged the government’s demands, with publications and broadcasters successfully arguing for open court hearings before the Investigatory Powers tribunal (IPT) after the tribunal cryptically listed a hearing into the case in March. The UK’s use of a technical capability notice (TCN), intended to provide access to data, drew criticism for potentially impacting US citizens, ultimately leading the UK to refine its requests. Further legal challenges from civil society groups are anticipated in the coming year, independent of Apple.
EU Faces Backlash Over Proposed chat Control
Across the Channel, the European Union’s attempt to mandate that encrypted messaging services scan messages before encryption faced strong opposition from technology and security experts.These experts warned that such a measure would fundamentally weaken security protocols. Revisions and reintroductions of a version of Chat Control are expected in 2026.
Europol’s Secretive AI Program Raises Privacy Concerns
Europol’s development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to analyse data seized during operations targeting encrypted interaction networks like EncroChat and Sky ECC also came under scrutiny. Reports highlighted a strained relationship with the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), which raised concerns about the program’s openness and adherence to data protection principles.
Data Watchdog Selection Questioned
Coincided with the IPT’s preparation to hear arguments from Apple regarding a notice requiring access to encrypted data for UK law enforcement.
Concerns Over Data Watchdog Appointment
The European Commission was accused of rigging the selection process for Europe’s next data protection watchdog, according to a complaint submitted to the European Ombudsman. privacy experts alleged “procedural irregularities,” including a lack of transparency in the selection criteria and the identities of the selection committee.
Legal Battle Over Encrypted Phone Distribution
Canadian businessman Thomas Herdman awaits trial in France for his alleged role in distributing modified smartphones with the Sky ECC app. Arrested in June 2021, Herdman has spent 45 months in pre-trial detention, despite cooperating with US investigators. His daughter, Julie Kawai Herdman, maintains his innocence, citing inaccuracies in the evidence and flawed legal processes.
Preserving the History of Signals Intelligence
efforts are underway to preserve the history of the UK’s signals intelligence sites, many of which are at risk of disappearing. Dave Abrutat, GCHQ’s official historian, estimates that tens of thousands of people have worked in signals intelligence as the First World War, at locations including Chicksands in Bedfordshire.
