The UK government's secret order to Apple, demanding a backdoor to its end-to-end encrypted iCloud storage service, has been challenged by two civil rights groups, Liberty and Privacy International. The organizations filed complaints on Thursday, labeling the order "unacceptable and disproportionate" and warning of "global consequences" for user privacy and free expression.

The complaint, filed through law firm Leigh Day, targets Home Secretary Yvette Cooper's decision to serve Apple with a Technical Capability Notice (TCN) under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA). The existence of the secret order only came to light last month through press reports. The TCN seeks to undermine Apple's end-to-end encryption, a move that could have far-reaching implications for users worldwide, not just in the UK.

Privacy International's executive director, Gus Hosein, and civil liberties advocate Ben Wizner are named individuals in the complaint, which argues that they, along with the two civil rights groups, are direct victims of the government's TCN decision. They are calling for their complaints to be joined to Apple's, which has already filed a legal challenge to the TCN. Apple's appeal is set to be heard by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), the body that oversees complaints against UK intelligence agencies.

The civil rights groups are also pushing for the case to be heard in public, rather than behind closed doors, echoing earlier calls from privacy rights groups. The IPT hearing is scheduled for today, Friday, March 14. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of encryption and user privacy, not just in the UK but globally.

The use of TCNs has been a subject of controversy, with critics arguing that they can be used to undermine encryption and compromise user privacy. The Investigatory Powers Act, which came into effect in 2016, has been criticized for its broad powers and lack of transparency. The UK government's move to force Apple to create a backdoor to its encrypted service has sparked concerns about the potential for similar requests to be made to other tech companies, potentially creating a slippery slope for user privacy.

The challenge by Liberty and Privacy International highlights the ongoing tension between governments and tech companies over encryption and user privacy. As the case moves forward, it will be closely watched by the tech industry, privacy advocates, and users around the world, who are increasingly concerned about the protection of their personal data.

In a press release, the civil rights groups warned that the TCN "could be used to undermine end-to-end encryption essential to the protection of privacy and free expression." They argue that the order sets a dangerous precedent, potentially paving the way for similar requests to be made to other tech companies, and ultimately compromising user privacy on a global scale.

The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the future of encryption, user privacy, and the relationship between governments and tech companies. As the world watches, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of this decision will be felt far beyond the UK's borders.