United Kingdom, Aug. 7 -- Apple has launched another legal battle against the UK government over demands for access to highly encrypted user data - reopening a privacy row that has stretched from Westminster to Washington.

The technology giant confirmed it has filed a complaint with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, the specialist UK court that considers challenges involving surveillance powers.

The latest action concerns a new Home Office technical capability notice seeking access to encrypted iCloud backups belonging to British users, according to the Financial Times, after an earlier and broader government demand was withdrawn following objections in the United States.

The government said: "The UK supports strong encryption and rob...