Jobs’ Mob assumed that there would be a public outcry when it disabled end-to-end encryption for UK iCloud customers rather than giving the British government the back door it wanted.

But instead of Apple fanboys demonstrating, crying to their mothers or pouring cappuccinos over themselves in public places, no one cared.

Ironically, Apple’s moves gave both authorities and potential hackers easier access to stored emails, photos and documents. If Jobs’ Mob had done what it was told, only the government would have obtained access after obtaining a court order.

The near absence of public outcry from British consumers points to what researchers call the "privacy paradox," where stated concerns about data security rarely translate to action.

According to cited research, while 92 per cent of American consumers believe they should control their online information, only 16 per cent have stopped using services over data misuse.

The Tame Apple press is gutted that “Apple's principled stand against backdoors” had been ignored mainly because customers don't understand or value Apple’s encrypted protection.

It also means that Apple’s bit to have privacy as a marketing differentiator is largely pointless. 

Apple's hissy fit only attracted the attention of US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has condemned a British order requiring Apple to break its encrypted storage worldwide as an "egregious" violation of American rights that could breach the CLOUD Act facilitating cross-border investigations.

In a letter to Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Andy Biggs, Gabbard revealed she has directed a legal review of the "secret order", which she learned about through media reports (so not that secret).

Gabbard pledged to ensure UK actions protect American privacy rights "consistent with the CLOUD Act and other applicable laws."