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WhatsApp CEO Says UK Request Sets “Dangerous Precedent”

Instant messaging app WhatsApp is seeking to join Apple’s legal battle with the U.K. government over end-to-end encryption. Apple is challenging a Home Office order requiring the device maker to provide law enforcement with unencrypted copies of customer data.
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Meta-owned WhatsApp on Wednesday filed a request to join Apple’s case before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. The government is seeking to compel Apple to provide backdoor access to its Advanced Data Protection feature, which protects iCloud backup data with end-to-end encryption, allowing its decryption only on trusted devices (see: UK Loses Bid for Complete Secrecy Over Apple Backdoor Demand).
Apple withdrew Advanced Data Protection for British customers following the order, but lodged a complaint with the tribunal, which oversees government surveillance activities (see: Apple Withdraws Strong Encryption Feature for All UK ).
Speaking to the Financial Times on Wednesday WhatsApp head Will Cathcart said the order “could set a dangerous precedent” and could “embolden” other nations to demand similar access.
“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,” Cathcart said.
Both WhatsApp and Apple rely on end-to-end encryption to secure communications and data shared on their platforms. The two companies previously threatened to withdraw from the British market over similar proposals made under the Online Safety Act, which required the platforms to weaken encryption to scan for child sexual abuse material (see: UK Parliament Approves Online Safety Bill).
Apple, WhatsApp, and Signal have consistently argued that undermining encryption for government access would open the door for hackers and other malicious actors, a position shared by cybersecurity experts. Law enforcement agencies maintain that end-to-end encryption hinders timely evidence collection.
The U.K. government has appeared to backtrack from encryption-breaking provisions of the Online Safety Act, but the February order cites the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016 as its authorizing statute. The act, derided by critics as a “Snooper’s Charter,” allows the government to issue “technical capability notices” requiring companies to permit access to user content. The law further prohibits companies from disclosing the government request.
The U.K. government’s order targeting Apple came to light only after it was leaked to the Washington Post by an unidentified source.
A Home Office spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing case, but said the agency takes privacy guarantees seriously. “The U.K. has robust safeguards and independent oversight to protect privacy, and these powers are only used in exceptional cases involving the most serious crimes, when necessary and proportionate,” the spokesperson said.