Apple has announced the discontinuation of its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for new users in the UK and will soon require existing users to disable it. The move follows reports that UK security services requested access to encrypted iCloud files globally, raising concerns over data privacy and government surveillance.
Launched in 2022, ADP offers end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, ensuring that only the account owner can access their data. With its removal, Apple will be able to access user files and provide them to law enforcement when presented with a warrant. Despite this decision, Apple maintains that it will not introduce backdoors into its products.
Apple spokesperson Julien Trosdorf expressed the company’s dismay over the situation, stating that Apple is “gravely disappointed,” especially in light of rising cybersecurity threats. While the company has not disclosed a timeline for when UK users must disable ADP, it has confirmed that users will be given notice before enforcement begins.
The UK Home Office reportedly issued a Technical Capability Notice under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, commonly known as the Snoopers’ Charter, mandating Apple to grant access to encrypted files. While Apple has the option to appeal, it cannot delay compliance with the order. The UK government argues that encryption obstructs law enforcement efforts in tackling crimes such as terrorism and child exploitation.
With ADP disabled, iCloud backups, including photos, notes, and voice memos, will no longer be encrypted in the UK. However, Apple assures users that sensitive data such as passwords, health records, payment details, and iMessage logs will remain protected. The encryption service continues to be available to users outside the UK.
Other tech giants, including Google and Meta, still offer encrypted backups in the UK, underscoring the ongoing conflict between technology companies and governments over privacy and security concerns.
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