Apple’s decision to remove Advanced Data Protection for UK users sparks privacy concerns, with experts warning of a dangerous precedent for government surveillance.
London [UK], February 22: Apple has announced that it will no longer offer end-to-end encryption for iCloud users in the United Kingdom, a decision that has drawn strong criticism from privacy advocates and security experts. The move follows reported pressure from the UK government, which allegedly demanded that Apple build a backdoor into its cloud servers to allow authorities access to encrypted data, TechCrunch reported.
As a result, Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature, which enabled end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, will no longer be available to new users in the UK. Existing users who have already enabled the feature will eventually be forced to disable it to continue using iCloud services.
Apple: “Gravely Disappointed” by UK’s Decision
Apple has expressed deep disappointment over the UK’s stance, highlighting the growing need for stronger security in the face of rising cyber threats.
“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,” Apple said in a statement.
“Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before,” the company added.
Despite this setback, Apple reaffirmed its commitment to user privacy, stating that it has never built and will never build a backdoor or master key to any of its services.
“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,” Apple stated.
Privacy Experts Warn of Dangerous Precedent
Apple’s decision has drawn backlash from privacy advocates, who warn that it sets a troubling precedent for government access to encrypted data—one that authoritarian regimes could exploit.
“The Home Office’s actions have deprived millions of Britons from accessing a security feature,” said James Baker of the Open Rights Group.
“As a result, British citizens will be at higher risk of their personal data and family photos falling into the hands of criminals and predators,” he added.
What’s Next for UK iCloud Users?
While Apple has not yet detailed the process for disabling ADP, it has assured users that certain types of sensitive data, including health records, messages, and payment information, will remain end-to-end encrypted. However, UK users will no longer be able to opt in for full encryption of their photos, notes, and backups.
Apple has promised to provide more guidance for affected users soon, including a transition period before ADP is fully disabled in the UK.
Meanwhile, the UK Home Office has not responded to requests for comment regarding its role in Apple’s decision.
As tech giants and governments continue to clash over data privacy and national security, Apple’s move in the UK raises critical questions about the future of encryption, digital rights, and state surveillance.
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Apple encryption, iCloud security, UK privacy laws, Advanced Data Protection, Apple UK, government surveillance, end-to-end encryption, UK Home Office, iCloud privacy, digital rights, TechCrunch, Apple privacy policy, cybersecurity, data breaches