Trump Slams UK’s Apple Data Demand, Compares It to China’s Surveillance

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the UK government’s request for Apple user data, comparing it to Chinese surveillance. In an interview with The Spectator, he said he advised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer against such actions. Their White House meeting covered trade and Ukraine. A UK government spokesperson reaffirmed intelligence ties but did not comment on Apple. Apple recently disabled cloud encryption for UK users, possibly due to government pressure.

The UK’s Home Office declined to confirm any orders. U.S. intelligence is investigating whether the UK violated the CLOUD Act. Apple has not responded to Reuters’ request for comment. The Spectator was acquired last year by hedge fund founder Paul Marshall.

Trump Slams UK’s Apple Data Demand, Compares It to China’s Surveillance

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized the UK government’s request for Apple to grant access to certain user data, likening it to surveillance tactics used in China. He argued that such demands could erode individual privacy rights and set a troubling global precedent for government access to personal data.

Trump expressed concerns that if a close ally like the UK pursued such policies, it could embolden authoritarian regimes to justify similar actions under the guise of national security. He also highlighted the potential backlash from tech companies and privacy advocates, warning that such measures could weaken public trust in encrypted communications and cloud security.

In an interview with The Spectator published on Friday, Trump revealed that he advised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer against pursuing such measures, emphasizing his concerns about privacy and government overreach.

Trump stated that granting such access could set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining user trust in tech companies and raising broader concerns about digital surveillance. He also warned that such actions could put pressure on U.S. tech firms to comply with similar demands from other governments. During their discussion, Trump reportedly stressed the importance of protecting personal data and maintaining strong encryption standards to prevent potential misuse by authorities.

The two leaders met at the White House on Thursday for their first official discussion since Trump took office, covering topics such as Ukraine and trade negotiations. During the interview, Trump expressed his concerns, stating that he told Starmer the request was “incredible” and reminiscent of actions associated with China. A spokesperson for the UK government reaffirmed the strong intelligence partnership between the U.S. and the UK but declined to comment on the Apple-related issue.

Apple has also not responded to Reuters’ request for a statement. The controversy follows Apple’s recent decision to disable an advanced cloud encryption feature for UK users, an unprecedented move that appears to be in response to government demands for user data access. The UK’s Home Office previously refused to confirm whether such an order had been issued. Meanwhile, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated in a February 25 letter to two U.S. lawmakers that the U.S. is examining whether the UK’s actions violated the CLOUD Act, a law that restricts either country from independently demanding user data from companies based in the other.

The Spectator, a long-standing British political magazine with strong influence in Conservative circles, has played a significant role in shaping public discourse. Known for its opinionated and often provocative commentary, the publication has been a platform for high-profile political figures, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who once served as its editor. Over the years, The Spectator has built a reputation for its sharp analysis and insider perspectives on UK politics.

In 2024, the magazine was acquired by British hedge fund founder Paul Marshall, a key investor in right-leaning media. His ownership has fueled speculation about potential editorial shifts and increased political influence.