WhatsApp Supports Apple in UK Encryption Dispute, Citing Privacy Risks

The ongoing legal battle between Apple and the UK government over encrypted user data has gained a notable ally: WhatsApp. The messaging platform has publicly backed Apple’s refusal to comply with UK demands to weaken encryption, warning that such actions could set a “dangerous precedent” for global privacy¹. This dispute centers on the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act (2016), which allows authorities to issue Technical Capability Notices (TCNs) requiring companies to provide access to encrypted data².

Timeline of Key Events

The conflict began in February 2025 when the UK government issued a TCN demanding Apple bypass its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) encryption for iCloud backups³. Apple responded by withdrawing ADP for UK users rather than compromising security⁴. By April 2025, a UK court ruled the case could not proceed in secret, rejecting national security arguments⁵. Privacy groups like Liberty and Privacy International filed legal challenges, arguing the order threatened fundamental rights⁶.

In June 2025, US lawmakers condemned the UK’s actions, warning they could exploit the US-UK Cloud Act to access American citizens’ data⁷. Proposals emerged to amend the Cloud Act in response⁷. Meanwhile, WhatsApp’s support for Apple highlights the broader industry concern over government attempts to weaken encryption standards.

Technical and Legal Implications

The UK’s demand would require Apple to create a backdoor in its end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for iCloud backups, a move critics argue would undermine security for all users⁸. Apple maintains it has never built backdoors and warns compliance would expose users worldwide to increased risks⁵.

WhatsApp’s stance is particularly noteworthy given its own approach to encryption. While WhatsApp employs E2EE for messages by default, it shares metadata (contacts, timestamps) with parent company Meta for analytics⁹. This contrasts with Apple’s refusal to weaken any encryption, even for metadata. However, WhatsApp complies with lawful requests for metadata while maintaining E2EE for message content⁹.

Comparison of Apple and WhatsApp Encryption Approaches
Company	Encryption Type	Compliance with Government Requests
Apple	Full E2EE for iCloud backups (ADP)	Refuses to weaken encryption
WhatsApp	E2EE for messages only	Shares metadata when legally required

Global Reactions and Future Implications

Privacy advocates including Amnesty International have warned the UK’s order threatens vulnerable groups like journalists and LGBT+ communities⁸. US Congress members have proposed terminating the US-UK data-sharing agreement if the UK persists⁷. The case could set a precedent for similar demands in the EU under proposed Chat Control legislation⁸.

For security professionals, this case highlights several critical considerations:

The technical challenges of maintaining encryption while complying with government requests
The legal complexities of international data transfers post-Brexit
The potential for expanded government surveillance powers to be abused

As Privacy International stated:

“No country should have the power to undermine encryption for everyone.”⁶

Conclusion

The UK-Apple dispute represents a pivotal moment for digital privacy rights. WhatsApp’s support for Apple underscores the industry’s united front against government-mandated backdoors. The outcome could shape global encryption standards and the balance between security and surveillance for years to come. Security teams should monitor developments closely, as the precedent set here may influence future regulations worldwide.