Apple–UK Home Office Case Dropped - ADP Still Unavailable to UK Users amid TCN Controversy

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal dismissed Apple’s legal appeal against a UK government technical capability notice (TCN) after a change in circumstances. The decision halts Apple’s existing challenge, though a parallel case by Privacy International and Liberty is expected to continue. According to reporting, the Home Office issued a revised order limiting access to encrypted data to UK users, easing a diplomatic row with the U.S. sparked by the original worldwide scope. Apple did not confirm whether it will bring a new challenge but reiterated that its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service remains unavailable in the UK. The core tension persists: UK authorities argue warranted access to iCloud data—including content protected by ADP—is needed for national security and criminal investigations, while Apple maintains users require the highest feasible security against data breaches and hacking. The IPT is expected to hear aspects of the NGOs’ case on assumed facts in open court, reflecting limited public disclosure around TCN terms. For enterprises and privacy teams, the signal is continued regulatory fluidity on encryption access, region-specific service availability, and potential compliance implications where cross-border data protection expectations differ.