The data encryption battle between the UK government and American tech giant Apple (AAPL) appears far from over. A new court document seen by the Financial Times suggests that the British government demanded access to a wider pool of non-UK customers’ data tied to Apple’s encrypted iCloud service.
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The new document was released two days ago by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the UK’s surveillance tribunal, the outlet reported. The revelation comes several days after Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. national intelligence chief, said Downing Street had “agreed to drop” the request.
The UK’s demand for access to the private information of Americans on Apple’s iCloud service triggered a diplomatic row between both governments. The British government had issued a secret order, known as a “technical capability notice,” to the iPhone maker in January.
Apple Fights Back
In response, in February, Apple rolled back its Advanced Data Protection, a feature that provides an additional layer of security for the tech company’s iCloud service. The move was seen by experts as a tacit acknowledgement of the secret order.
It is believed that the order is backed by the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, the UK’s comprehensive surveillance law. On paper, the Act also empowers British authorities to access communications data of non-British citizens when relevant to national security or serious crimes, among others.
In March, Apple initiated a legal challenge against the secret government demand by submitting an appeal to the surveillance tribunal. According to the new court document, the tribunal will determine the legality of the order in early 2026.
Will Apple Stock Reach $700 Again?
Apple’s stock closed nearly 1% higher on Thursday, reaching $232.56. In the last three months, the shares of the Silicon Valley company have risen by about 16%, although it has shed nearly 7% of its value since the start of the year.
Earlier this week, Goldman Sachs (GS) maintained its Buy rating on Apple’s shares. The top investment bank put its price target for the tech giant’s stock at $266, noting that it is “encouraged” by upcoming physical changes to the iPhone 17 models. The American banker is also motivated by the potential for a price rise to the iPhone 17 Pro, among other factors.
On TipRanks, APPL stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 15 Buys, 11 Holds and one Sell by Wall Street analysts. The average AAPL price target is $238.45, which suggests a potential 2.53% increase from the current price.
