Privacy rights groups are calling for a public hearing in Apple's legal challenge to a secret UK government order that would require the tech giant to compromise the end-to-end encryption of its iCloud storage service. The order, which was revealed last month, has sparked concerns about the privacy and security of millions of Apple users worldwide.

The UK government's order, which is believed to have been issued under the Investigatory Powers Act, would force Apple to grant law enforcement access to data stored within its end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) service. However, Apple has filed an appeal challenging the lawfulness of the order, citing concerns about the potential impact on user privacy and security.

The appeal will be heard by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), which typically holds hearings behind closed doors. However, in a joint letter to the president of the IPT, privacy rights groups Big Brother Watch, Index on Censorship, and the Open Rights Group are urging the tribunal to hold a public hearing in this case. The groups argue that the public interest would be served by an open airing of the iCloud case, given the significant implications for user privacy and security.

The groups point out that the IPT has a duty to hear cases in public unless doing so would threaten the national interest or the public. In this case, they argue that the conditions for a closed hearing do not apply, and that a public hearing would actually serve the public interest. "This case implicates the privacy rights of millions of British citizens who use Apple's technology, as well as Apple's international users," the groups warn.

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry and user privacy. If Apple is forced to compromise the encryption of its iCloud service, it could set a dangerous precedent for other tech companies and undermine trust in online services. On the other hand, a successful appeal could help to establish stronger protections for user privacy and security.

Apple's decision to close its Advanced Data Protection service to UK users has already raised concerns about the potential impact on user privacy. However, the company's appeal against the government's order offers a glimmer of hope for those who value their online privacy and security. As the case moves forward, it will be closely watched by privacy advocates and tech industry observers alike.

In the meantime, the privacy rights groups are urging the IPT to hold a public hearing in the case, citing the significant public interest in knowing when and on what basis the UK government believes it can compel a private company to undermine the privacy and security of its customers. As the groups note, "there is significant public interest in knowing when and on what basis the UK government believes that it can compel a private company to undermine the privacy and security of its customers."