Apple is pushing back against a directive from the UK government requiring the tech giant to create a "back door" into its encrypted cloud storage systems, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) confirmed on Monday.

In a written judgment, the tribunal dismissed a request from the British government to keep basic details of the case — including Apple’s involvement — confidential.

The dispute centers on Apple’s Advanced Data Protection feature, which, when activated by users of iPhones, Macs, and other Apple devices, ensures that only the user can access their cloud-stored data — not even Apple can decrypt it.

While the UK Home Office declined to comment on the specifics of the ongoing legal matter, it emphasized that accessing an individual's data would still require a legal warrant. The department stated that Britain's surveillance powers are governed by strong checks and judicial oversight designed to safeguard privacy.

“These authorities exist solely to combat serious criminal threats and uphold public safety, without infringing on freedom of expression,” the Home Office added.

In February, The Washington Post revealed that UK authorities had issued a "technical capability notice" to Apple, demanding it build a mechanism for blanket access to encrypted communications and images — potentially even affecting users outside of Britain. The Financial Times later confirmed Apple had launched an appeal, although details had largely remained under wraps.

The Home Office argued that disclosing the appeal or identifying Apple as the filer could threaten national security. However, judges Rabinder Singh and Jeremy Johnson rejected that position, deciding transparency outweighed those concerns.