Data kept in this manner is now only accessible to the owner of an Apple account; the tech giant itself is unable to examine it.
Under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which requires businesses to give information to law enforcement, the Home Office has fulfilled the demand.
Apple stated on its website that it considers privacy to be a “fundamental human right” but declined to comment.
The demand is prohibited by law from being made public.
The Washington Post broke the story first, citing people with knowledge of the situation. The news has since contacted comparable people.
The Home Office clarified: “We do not comment on operational matters, including for example confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.”
It was described as a “unprecedented attack” by Privacy International.
