A new report claims that the UK government is requesting full access from Apple ($AAPL) for its users’ cloud data. This includes encrypted information and spreads beyond the typical requests of an individual’s user data, which Apple has offered before when laws require it to.
This latest request is frightening as it would allow the UK to spy on all of the data of Apple’s users in the country without restrictions. There’s no precedent for this type of request and it’s unclear how Apple will react to such a demand.
The ability to store personal data on the cloud and keep it encrypted is a major selling point for users. If Apple gives into the UK’s request, it could damage its reputation for user privacy and harm its business in the country. That’s not even getting into how invasive this request is from a democratic government. This also comes as Apple considers dropping Advanced Data Protection in the UK due to government pressure. That feature encrypts data in a way that not even the tech giant can access it.
How This Affects AAPL Stock Today
Apple investor confidence is rattled by the UK’s data request, sending the iPhone maker’s shares down 1.92% as of this writing. That also builds on its poor start to 2025 with shares down 8.68% year-to-date. However, investors will note that AAPL stock is still up 22.03% over the last 52 weeks.
Is AAPL Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Turning to Wall Street, the analysts’ consensus estimate for Apple is Moderate Buy based on 18 Buy, 11 Hold, and four Sell ratings over the last three months. With that comes an average price target of $250.94, a high of $325, and a low of $188. This represents a potential 9.79% upside for AAPL stock.
