On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, CNBC published an article detailing the recent developments in the ongoing encryption debate involving Apple and the U.K. government. We literally updated the article 38 minutes before going to print. In addition, it shows that the U.K., at least at one time, required Apple to build a “back door” to user data before deciding to drop that requirement. This momentous change comes on the heels of a hugely groundbreaking U.S. government announcement on Monday. Learn more about what this announcement means for the future of digital privacy and encryption laws.
CNBC contributor Ryan Browne, who has covered the case thoroughly, gave us a one-minute primer on what this decision means. He noted that the U.K.’s about-face demonstrates a larger reality—the constant clash between privacy and security. This idea frequently comes up in the context of Big Tech and federal regulation. Browne continues the conversation with readers on Twitter through his handle @Ryan_Browne_.
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Now it seems the U.K. is retreating from its insistence on a regulatory backdoor into Apple user data. This announcement represents a watershed moment in the national debate surrounding encryption and data privacy. Regulatory burden for technology companies is labyrinthine. This case sets an important precedent for future interactions between governments and tech companies in regard to user safety.