Wyden, Biggs demand Gabbard make UK rescind Apple backdoor order: Gov’t ‘spying’

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., have penned a letter to newly sworn-in Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, expressing concerns over the United Kingdom’s reported new order demanding backdoor Apple data. The lawmakers warn that this directive could potentially jeopardize the privacy and security of Americans.

The letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, references recent press reports indicating that the U.K.’s home secretary issued a secret order to Apple last month, instructing the company to weaken the security of its iCloud backup service to facilitate government surveillance. This order reportedly requires Apple to weaken the encryption of its iCloud backup service, granting the U.K. government broad access to customers’ encrypted files without the need for judicial approval.

Wyden and Biggs highlight the implications of this order, noting that Apple is prohibited from acknowledging it and faces criminal penalties for confirming its accuracy to Congress. They emphasize that if Apple is compelled to create a backdoor in its products, it could compromise the security of not only American citizens but also various government agencies relying on Apple products to safeguard sensitive data.

The lawmakers underscore the broader risks posed by the U.K.’s actions, particularly in light of growing threats from adversarial nations like China and Russia. They point to recent incidents, such as the Chinese hacking operation known as “Salt Typhoon,” as evidence of the dangers associated with surveillance backdoors. The letter urges Gabbard to take decisive action to protect Americans’ communications from such shortsighted efforts that could leave them vulnerable to espionage.

Furthermore, Wyden and Biggs raise concerns about the U.K.’s erosion of privacy rights and potential breaches of cybersecurity protocols. They call on Gabbard to address the situation promptly and consider reevaluating cybersecurity arrangements and intelligence-sharing programs with the U.K. if the directive is not reversed.

The letter also questions whether the Trump administration was aware of the U.K.’s order prior to the press reports and seeks clarification on the administration’s understanding of U.K. law and the bilateral CLOUD Act agreement. Wyden and Biggs urge Gabbard to uphold her commitment to safeguarding Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights and civil liberties by confronting the U.K. on its actions.

In conclusion, the lawmakers emphasize the importance of trust in the U.S.-U.K. relationship and stress the need for transparency and accountability in addressing foreign government demands that compromise cybersecurity. They call on Gabbard to stand firm in protecting Americans’ privacy and security, warning of serious consequences if the U.K. fails to retract its intrusive order.

Fox News Digital reached out to Apple and the White House for comment on the letter, but responses were not immediately provided. Danielle Wallace is a breaking news and politics reporter at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to danielle.wallace@fox.com and on X: @danimwallace.