Technology Reporter
Getty ImagesTwo US lawmakers have strongly condemned what they call the UK’s “dangerous” and “shortsighted” request to be able to access encrypted data stored by Apple users worldwide in its cloud service.
Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Andy Biggs have written to national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard saying the demand threatens the privacy and security of the US.
They urge her to give the UK an ultimatum: “Back down from this dangerous attack on US cybersecurity, or face serious consequences.”
The BBC has contacted the UK government for comment.
“While the UK has been a trusted ally, the US government must not permit what is effectively a foreign cyberattack waged through political means”, the US politicians wrote.
If the UK does not back down Ms Gabbard should “reevaluate US-UK cybersecurity arrangements and programs as well as US intelligence sharing”, they suggest.
What is the UK seeking?
The request for the data emerged last week.
It applies to all content stored using what Apple calls “Advanced Data Protection” (ADP).
This uses end-to-end…
