A recent court hearing in London involving Apple’s appeal against a British government order was held in private, despite media requests for access. The case centers on the UK’s demand for a “back door” into Apple’s encrypted systems, which has been shrouded in secrecy.
The dispute began in February when the UK issued a “technical capability notice” (TCN) to Apple, asking the company to allow authorities to access encrypted messages and photos. Apple responded by removing its Advanced Data Protection feature for new users in Britain. However, neither Apple nor the UK government has confirmed the existence of the TCN.
The hearing took place at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, a court that handles surveillance allegations. James Eadie, a senior government lawyer, attended the session but declined to comment. Media organizations, including Reuters and the BBC, requested transparency but were denied access to the courtroom.
Civil rights groups like Privacy International and Liberty have criticized the UK’s actions. Caroline Wilson Palow of Privacy International described the demands as “unacceptable and disproportionate,” emphasizing the importance of end-to-end encryption globally.
This case reflects ongoing tensions between governments and tech companies over encryption and privacy. Authorities argue that strong encryption hinders investigations into serious crimes, while critics say such demands undermine privacy protections. U.S. officials have expressed concerns that the UK’s actions may violate international agreements.
The UK’s Home Office has not commented on the specifics, and Security Minister Dan Jarvis has refused to confirm or deny the TCNs. Jarvis stated that privacy and security are not mutually exclusive.
DOJ Antitrust Chief Gail Slater Builds Strong Team for Key Cases
Gail Slater, the newly confirmed Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust, is strengthening the Department of Justice’s antitrust division by hiring experienced officials. Slater’s team includes Roger Alford, a former DOJ official under President Trump, as her principal deputy. Alford will lead cases where Slater may be recused.
Other key hires include Mark Hamer and William Rinner, who will co-head civil antitrust enforcement, and Omeed Assefi, who will oversee criminal enforcement. Chetan Sanghvi will lead economic analysis for the division.
Slater’s appointments suggest a balanced approach to enforcement, combining aggressive action with defense-side experience. Unlike her predecessor, Jonathan Kanter, Slater supports well-structured settlements as effective regulatory tools.
The DOJ is handling several high-profile cases, including efforts to restructure Alphabet Inc.’s Google and lawsuits against Apple, Visa, and Live Nation. Slater’s team brings significant expertise from both regulatory and corporate backgrounds, signaling a strategic approach to enforcement.
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