Apple Disables Advanced iCloud Data Protection in the UK

Apple has halted its Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK, rejecting government demands to create a backdoor, highlighting significant privacy concerns for users.

Apple’s Data Protection Feature Suspended in the UK

Apple users in the UK are currently unable to access one of the company’s top data protection tools, reports Bloomberg. The Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature, which offers optional end-to-end encryption for various iCloud data, has been withdrawn.

A Tug of War with the British Government

The suspension comes amid a dispute between Apple and the British government, which is demanding a backdoor access for its security officials to encrypted user data globally. Apple has yet to respond to Engadget’s request for comments.

Apple expressed its disappointment, stating, “We are deeply disappointed that the protections offered by ADP are no longer available to our UK customers, especially as data breaches and privacy threats continue to rise,” in a statement shared with Bloomberg. ADP ensures iCloud data is encrypted from end to end, meaning only the data owner can decrypt it, and only on their trusted devices.

What About Other Services?

Despite the ADP withdrawal, Apple continues to provide end-to-end encryption by default for many other services in the country, including iMessage, passwords, health data, and more.

The UK stands out as an exception. “Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) to new users in the UK,” reads a notification when users try to activate the feature on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac following Apple’s decision. If you reside in the UK and had previously activated ADP, you will need to manually disable encryption to maintain your iCloud account.

More to follow…