LONDON: Apple’s data encryption in the UK is taking a hit as the tech giant pulls its most advanced end-to-end encryption feature from iCloud after pressure from the UK government to provide ‘backdoor’ access to user data.
The Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature encrypts backups, notes, photos, messages, and more, making them accessible only to users, not even to Apple. However, due to UK regulations, Apple is removing this security tool, citing concerns over privacy and government overreach.
“We are gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our UK customers, given the rise in data breaches,” Apple stated.
This move follows reports that the UK government ordered Apple to grant access to user data worldwide. The company had previously slammed a UK bill seeking such access, calling it “unprecedented government overreach” that could set a dangerous global precedent.
Apple remains firm on its commitment to user security, stating, “Enhancing cloud storage security with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever.” The company hopes to reintroduce the feature in the UK in the future.
The decision to scale back encryption seems aimed at avoiding a legal standoff with UK regulators, though further government demands could follow. Apple reiterated its stance: “We have never built a backdoor or master key to our products or services—and never will.”
