This is the new MLex platform. Existing customers should continue to use the existing MLex platform until migrated.
For any queries, please contact Customer Services or your Account Manager. Dismiss

End of Apple’s UK encryption dispute sheds little light on future privacy risks

By Patricia Figueiredo ( January 5, 2026, 12:47 GMT | Comment) -- What lies ahead for companies offering encrypted online services in the UK remains unclear, despite a dispute between Apple and the government sputtering out last autumn without a ruling. Judges dismissed Apple’s challenge to a data-access notice served under the Investigatory Powers Act over a technicality, and no detail is public on the scope of such notices. For companies, the dispute has provided little guidance on how UK surveillance powers are likely to be applied in future cases involving encrypted services.Apple's court fight with the UK government last year may have wound down in the autumn, but the regulatory risks raised by the dispute over the country's controversial surveillance law remain unresolved and could still threaten tech companies in 2026 — particularly those offering encrypted services....

Prepare for tomorrow’s regulatory change, today

MLex identifies risk to business wherever it emerges, with specialist reporters across the globe providing exclusive news and deep-dive analysis on the proposals, probes, enforcement actions and rulings that matter to your organization and clients, now and in the longer term.


Know what others in the room don’t, with features including:

  • Daily newsletters for Antitrust, M&A, Trade, Data Privacy & Security, Technology, AI and more
  • Custom alerts on specific filters including geographies, industries, topics and companies to suit your practice needs
  • Predictive analysis from expert journalists across North America, the UK and Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific
  • Curated case files bringing together news, analysis and source documents in a single timeline

Experience MLex today with a 14-day free trial.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Click here to login

Related Sections