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• Wed Jun 11 2025

WhatsApp tells BBC it backs Apple in legal row with UK over user data

12 hours ago Share Save Zoe Kleinman ? @zsk Technology editor Share Save

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WhatsApp has told the BBC it is supporting fellow tech giant Apple in its legal fight against the UK Home Office over the privacy of its users' data. The messaging app's boss, Will Cathcart, said the case "could set a dangerous precedent" by "emboldening other nations" to seek to break encryption, which is how tech firms keep customers' information private. Apple went to the courts after receiving a notice from the Home Office demanding the right to access the data of its global customers if required in the interests of national security. It and other critics of the government's position say the request compromises the privacy of millions of users.

The Home Office told the BBC it would not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. "But more broadly, the UK has a longstanding position of protecting our citizens from the very worst crimes, such as child sex abuse and terrorism, at the same time as protecting people's privacy," it said in a statement.

Awkward row

WhatsApp has applied to submit evidence to the court which is hearing Apple's bid to have the Home Office request overturned. Mr Cathcart said: "WhatsApp would challenge any law or government request that seeks to weaken the encryption of our services and will continue to stand up for people's right to a private conversation online." This intervention from the Meta-owned platform represents a major escalation in what was an already extremely high-profile and awkward dispute between the UK and the US. Apple's row with the UK government erupted in February, when it emerged ministers were seeking the right to be able to access information secured by its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) system. The argument intensified in the weeks that followed, with Apple first pulling ADP in the UK, and then taking legal action against the Home Office. It also sparked outrage among US politicians, with some saying it was a "dangerous attack on US cybersecurity" and urging the US government to rethink its intelligence-sharing arrangements with the UK if the notice was not withdrawn. Tulsi Gabbard, the director of US National Intelligence, described it as an "egregious violation" of US citizens' privacy. Civil liberties groups also attacked the UK government, saying what it was demanding had privacy and security implications for people around the world. The campaign organisation Open Rights Group welcomed WhatsApp seeking to become involved in the case. "WhatsApp's intervention shows the breadth of concern about the threat to privacy and security," said Jim Killock, its executive director. "It's important that the court hears from as many companies and organisations as possible so they understand the full impact of what the Home Office is trying to do," he added.

Privacy versus national security