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Home Office issues new ‘back door’ order over Apple encryption | Computer Weekly

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Home Office issues new ‘back door’ order over Apple encryption | Computer Weekly


The government has re-ignited a row with Apple by issuing a new order to require the technology company to provide warranted access to encrypted data stored by British users on Apple’s iCloud service.

The Home Office has previously sought access data and messages stored by Apple users from any country, including the US, in a move that sparked a diplomatic row with the Trump administration.

The Financial Times reported that the Home Office issued a new order in September that Apple provide the UK with access to encrypted cloud backups but only for British citizens.

The move follows an announcement by the US director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard on social media site X on 19 August that the UK had agreed to drop demands for a “backdoor” that would allow access to the data of US citizens.

The Home Office issued a technical capability notice (TCN) against Apple in January requiring the company to provide the technical capability for the UK to access encrypted data on Apple’s iCloud back-up service world-wide.

Apple withdrew its Advance Data Protection service, which allowed users to encrypt their backed-up data using encryption keys that would be inaccessible to Apple, in February.

As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will,” the company said in a statement.

“We are gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our customers in the UK given the continuing rise of data breaches and other threats to customer privacy,” it added.

Apple has filed a legal challenge against the Home Office to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, along with the Privacy International and Liberty, in a case that is due to be heard in January.

It is not clear  whether or how Apple will be able to distinguish between users who are British citizens, US citizens based in the UK, or British citizens in the US, raising questions over how Apple will be able to comply with the latest Home Office order.

Caroline Wilson Palow, legal director at Privacy International said that the new order issued by the government could still impact the security and privacy of users of Apple devices.

“While this seems like progress – and it is in the sense that the UK is clearly reacting to the global concern and US Government pressure generated by its original directive to Apple – the new order may be just as big a threat to worldwide security and privacy as the old one,” she said.

“In the name of protecting the UK people, the UK Government is instead undermining a crucial security protection, which seems ill-advised in a world where security risks are mounting every day,” she added.

The Home Office issues TCN’s under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 to require technology companies to introduce technical capabilities to conduct surveillance.

The TCN issued against Apple was approved by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Brian Leveson.

Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are required to obtain warrants, signed by a judicial commissioner, to access data from Apple



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Squarespace Promo Codes: 10% Off November 2025

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Squarespace Promo Codes: 10% Off November 2025


Squarespace helps small businesses and regular Joe Schmoes to get software help to build their own websites (for both personal and business), even including the commerce side of things with point of sale, inventory, and customer data features (both online or in person). In the age where literally everything is digitized and accessed through the World Wide Web, having an online presence is the most important thing you can do for your business or brand’s growth. Creating a website can be difficult, with the HTMLs and coding and what not—that’s where Squarespace comes in. And we’ve found some of the best Squarespace discounts to help you save while growing your business.

Get 10% Off With This Exclusive Squarespace Promo Code

One of the best things about Squarespace is the versatility of it—compared to other website builders, it’s hard to beat in terms of the large number of layout options, user-friendly interface, and the various features available. Some of those features include built-in ecommerce capabilities (for those hoping to sell their work), promotion marketing tools, and booking and appointment handling. WIRED even named Squarespace one of the best websites to show off your portfolio of work. Right now, first-time users can get 10% off any website or domain plan, plus a 2 week free trial period. All you need to do is click the coupon above and enter the Squarespace promo code at checkout to get the deal.

Use Squarespace Promo Code to Save on a New Website or Domain

Once you find the plan you want—the Squarespace coupon is valid on any plan—enter the Squarespace discount code. Enter the Squarespace promo code WIRED10 into the box at checkout to see the savings roll in.

Save up to 36% on Squarespace Plans

Squarespace continues to reign at the top of our list of the best website builders, with features and customizable templates that help any skill level design like a pro. But don’t just take our word, users can start with a free 14-day trial and then make a decision on which plan best suits their personal or business’ needs. Squarespace frequently releases discount codes for 20% off new websites, but forget needing one–the easiest way to save is through an annual plan, which on average saves around 28-36% by locking in an annual price rather than a pay-as-you-go model with the monthly plan. You’ll need your business to have a website for longevity, so I’d recommend buying long term and saving big.

Prices per plan range, with the basic at $16 per month for 36% off with the yearly plan, Core at $23 per month for 36% off, and Plus at $39 per month for 30% off. The Advanced plan is $99 per month at 28% off—this includes features from cheaper plans, and also has the lowest payment processing fees, improved CSS, and JavaScript customization.

Students Get a 50% Off Squarespace Discount Code

Like Millennials and Gen Z-ers, Squarespace knows just how important our digital footprint is in this day and age. That’s why Squarespace is offering a student discount, where students can get 50% off annual plans to help launch their burgeoning business. All you need to do to get the Squarespace coupon code is verify your student status with Student Beans. Once you’ve verified using the free service, just input the offer code during checkout. Note: authorized students can obtain only one code every 12 months, whether the offer code is redeemed or not.

20% Off for Squarespace Circle Customers

Squarespace Circle perks is how people can get rewarded for using the platform. To join, users must have three Squarespace websites already. There are tons of perks for any small biz owner using Squarespace Circle, including: commission for bringing new folks to Squarespace, a 20% discount on new website subscriptions when you reach Platinum status, 20% off new annual email campaigns and scheduling subscriptions, a six-month free trial, priority customer support, educational resources and more. Although the benefits are tiered based on the number of websites you publish, the free option of Circle offers a 10% discount on annual plans, 3 month free trials, and early access to news on product launches. Check out the links above to see if Squarespace Circle would be a good fit for you (or your business).

Check Out the New Squarespace AI Website Builder

AI is everywhere, and here at WIRED, we know it all too well. Squarespace is jumping on the AI bandwagon, with its new Blueprint AI service, which helps you smartly build your website. It’s free to use, although you need a paid Squarespace account to publish any website you create with Blueprint AI. If that’s not your jam and you prefer to go a little more old school, you can browse pre-built website templates, including specific designs optimized for various business focuses and needs.

Squarespace is one of the most versatile and user-friendly website builders out there, and with WIRED’s Squarespace discount code, you can save 10% on any plan.

Get 20% Off Squarespace Acuity Scheduling (Or Try it for Free)

Squarespace Acuity Scheduling is an online scheduling solution for your business that completes annoying (but necessary) administrative tasks like calendar syncing, automated email and text message reminders, payment processor integrations, and more.

Plus, you don’t even need a Squarespace website to use Acuity. It includes a separate scheduling page clients can visit to book appointments, and you can embed your Acuity scheduler in almost any website. Then, if you decide to add a website from Squarespace, it’s super easy to use Squarespace’s tools and pre-designed templates. They make it easy, with a free trial option that requires no website or credit card. If you decide on a plan, you’ll save 20% annually on Starter and Standard, and19% off Premium.



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Europe tackles e-waste with eco-friendly innovation that helps reuse and repair

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Europe tackles e-waste with eco-friendly innovation that helps reuse and repair


Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers are developing reusable and environmentally friendly electronics for the health care, consumer and manufacturing sectors, replacing scarce materials with circular alternatives to build a sustainable future.

Europe’s appetite for electronics keeps growing, but so does the waste. From smartphones and laptops to medical sensors, more devices mean mounting piles of discarded hardware.

According to Eurostat, around 5 million metric tons of electronic waste is collected for recycling in the EU each year. That is more than 11 kilograms per household, enough to cover around 2,000 football pitches stacked a meter high.

These 5 million metric tons represent less than 40% of the total mass of electronics put on the European market annually. The rest often ends up in landfills because mixed materials make recycling difficult.

Smarter design

To tackle this challenge, the SUSTRONICS initiative is rethinking how electronics are made, from the materials used to the way products are assembled and repaired. Led by Dutch technology company Philips, it brings together 46 partners from 11 countries. The three-year initiative runs until May 2026.

“The SUSTRONICS researchers focus mainly on into new solutions,” explained Ramon Caanen, who leads a sustainability consulting team at Philips.

This includes the use of bio-based, paper-based and more widely available materials, the sustainable manufacturing of electronic components as well as designs that enable better recycling.

The researchers’ goal is to embed sustainability into design, production and functionality, so that products can be better reused and more easily recycled.

That focus has gained urgency since the EU introduced new regulations on eco-design and the right to repair in 2024. They are meant to extend product lifespans, improve and make repairs simpler. They also aim to reduce and promote a more circular economy with less waste.

Health care pilots

Health care is one of SUSTRONICS’s main proving grounds. While connected medical devices can improve , their single-use electronic parts add to the e-waste problem. Three pilot studies are developing sustainable electronics for health care.

At Swedish hygiene company Essity Hygiene and Health, a partner in the global research, principal scientist Shabira Abbas is working on a smart incontinence pad designed to make life easier for both patients and staff.

The device is known as a change indicator and alerts staff when a pad needs replacing. A small clip-on reader sits outside the pad, is cleaned between patients, and is reused with each new pad.

“It is designed to improve both skin health and dignity,” said Abbas.

A removable electronic strip inside the pad measures temperature, humidity and enzymes. It can be recycled separately where facilities allow. The team uses paper substrates and 3D-printed metal-oxide sensors to reduce the use of material.

The pad also requires a small reader, which sits outside the pad, to transmit data to staff. This clip-on reader can be reused with each new pad.

“In between patients, you have to clean the reader, but otherwise they are reusable,” said Abbas. Her team’s challenge is making the connector foolproof and easy for staff to attach and remove.

They are also working on energy efficiency, adapting software to use minimal power while processing pad data. This is vital for medical devices that must run continuously, since the combined energy demand of many units greatly increases their overall carbon footprint.

The other two pilot devices include a skin patch for tracking glucose metabolism and a smart dressing for wounds, which signals when it needs replacing. In today’s medical practice, both are still single-use, so sustainability is a key challenge.

Better materials

The SUSTRONICS team is also exploring ways to improve production efficiency and use recyclable or environmentally friendly materials whenever possible. Part of the solution is moving to more common resources from those that are scarce and environmentally harmful, such as silver.

“Silver has a high upstream footprint. Replacing silver with more common materials such as copper or carbon can lower impact significantly. But the key challenge is to make these substitutes perform well in their intended electronics application,” said Caanen.

Beyond , pilots also target repairability in shavers and lighting, easier dismantling for recycling, and lower energy use.

Looking ahead

Their work ties in with wider EU goals. A new Circular Economy Act, expected in 2026, will create a stronger market for recycled materials, boosting both supply and demand across Europe. It supports the EU’s ambition to lead the world in circular economy practices by 2030.

Today, only about 12% of Europe’s materials are reused or recycled. The target is to double this to 24% by 2030 under the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal.

Caanen hopes that SUSTRONICS will become a flagship project for sustainable electronics, by demonstrating how the European electronics industry can benefit from sustainable, alternative materials for electronic components, while maintaining competitiveness.

For hospital patients, innovations like the smart pad could mean greater comfort, dignity and quality of care, while also contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy.

By combining practical health care solutions with ambitious environmental goals, the SUSTRONICS team demonstrates how technological innovation can improve everyday lives and support Europe’s drive for sustainability.

In the long term, such efforts could transform both the electronics industry and health care, showing that small devices can have a big impact.

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WIRED Roundup: Fandom in Politics, Zuckerberg’s Illegal School, and Nepal’s Discord Revolution

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WIRED Roundup: Fandom in Politics, Zuckerberg’s Illegal School, and Nepal’s Discord Revolution


Leah Feiger: Zoë, I am obsessed with this story. Before you continue, I think that it’s really important to say that Caroline, the lovely reporter of this story on your business desk, obtained 1,665 pages of documents about the dispute about Zuckerberg’s house. This story is canon now.

Zoë Schiffer: Caroline Haskins is a complete star. Our fact-checking team literally cried when I asked them. They were like, “Wait, sorry, how many documents are we looking through?” I was like, “Yes.”

Leah Feiger: Shout out to the WIRED research team.

Zoë Schiffer: Absolutely. The school, I think we just have to say, is named after one of the Zuckerberg family chickens. It’s called the Bicken Ben School.

Leah Feiger: I mean, hearing you say this, it’s, I know you’re being serious, but again.

Zoë Schiffer: So, the Crescent City neighborhood in Palo Alto, where the Zuckerbergs live, as you can imagine, is some of the best real estate in the entire country. It’s filled with these gorgeous homes, a ton of greenery. Mark Zuckerberg has been expanding his presence throughout the years in this ultra fancy neighborhood. The plot of land that the Zuckerbergs live on has expanded to include 11 previously separate properties. This is so funny and just such a nightmare. If you’re living on the street, you paid whatever, $5 million for your house, and suddenly all of your neighbors are Mark Zuckerberg.

Leah Feiger: Important to note that not all of them are connecting either. I don’t totally understand what that means. Do they walk through a neighbor’s porch to get to their horse’s pool? What does this entail?

Zoë Schiffer: We have more questions. We have to Google Earth this. I think there’s some holes in this story that we need to fill in. The expansion first became a concern for Mark Zuckerberg’s neighbors, back in 2016, due to fears that his purchases were driving up the market pretty dramatically. But then, about five years later, neighbors started noticing that a school appeared to be operating out of the Zuckerberg compound. So, this is illegal to do without a permit, at least under the area’s residential zoning code. And so, naturally, the neighbors started to alert the city. Caroline Haskins, the reporter on the story, obtained over a thousand documents, like you said, outlining the resulting fight between the neighbors and the city authorities, basically arguing that, it felt to them like the Zuckerbergs were getting special treatment.



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