U.S. Representatives Jim Jordan and Brian Mast have asked the British government to brief congressional committees about a reported UK order that would have required Apple to create a backdoor into encrypted user data. The lawmakers warned such a requirement could be exploited by cyber criminals or authoritarian governments and asked for a briefing by 10:00 a.m. ET on March 11, 2026. U.S. intelligence officials said in August that Britain later withdrew the demand; Apple has challenged the notice at the UK Investigatory Powers Tribunal.
US Lawmakers Demand UK Briefing Over Reported Order Requiring Apple 'Backdoor'
A view of a signage outside an Apple store in London, Britain, January 13, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast have asked the British government to brief congressional committees about a UK order that reportedly required Apple to build a "backdoor" into encrypted user data.
The lawmakers — who have previously criticised European measures aimed at Big Tech — say the public deserves a full accounting of the facts. In a joint letter dated Wednesday to British Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood, seen by Reuters, they requested a briefing so the committees can "fully understand the actions taken by the UK government with respect to the TCN issued to Apple."
Requested deadline: "We respectfully ask that the Home Office and UK Embassy to the United States arrange for the briefing to occur as soon as possible but no later than 10:00 a.m. ET on March 11, 2026."
TCN refers to a Technical Capability Notice that the UK government can issue to technology companies. The two U.S. lawmakers had warned last year that a requirement forcing companies to introduce access into encrypted systems could be abused by cyber criminals or authoritarian regimes.
U.S. intelligence officials said in August that Britain subsequently withdrew the demand. Apple, which has repeatedly said it will not build covert access into its encrypted services or devices, challenged the notice at the UK Investigatory Powers Tribunal.
Why it matters: The request underscores continuing tensions between governments seeking lawful access to data for security and law-enforcement purposes and technology companies that argue such access weakens user privacy and security worldwide.
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