Apple is removing its most advanced data security feature for UK customers following a government demand for access to encrypted user data.
What Changed?
Advanced Data Protection (ADP) uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the account owner can view sensitive information like photos or documents stored online. However, after UK authorities requested access to this data—a system even Apple itself couldn’t penetrate—the company has decided to disable the option to activate ADP for new users in the UK. In time, no data stored on iCloud in the region will benefit from this highest level of encryption, meaning that Apple will be able to access it and provide it to law enforcement when legally required.
Apple’s Stance on Backdoors
In its official statement, Apple expressed deep disappointment over the necessity to remove the feature for British customers. The company reiterated that it has never built a backdoor or master key into any of its products and that it will never do so. Apple’s longstanding position has been that any attempt to introduce such vulnerabilities would eventually be exploited by malicious actors, compromising the security of its entire ecosystem.
Expert Opinions
Cybersecurity experts have condemned the decision. For example, Professor Alan Woodward from Surrey University criticized the move as effectively “self-harming” UK users by weakening their online privacy and security. He argued that it was unrealistic for a national government to dictate how a U.S. technology company should operate on a global scale.
The Government Request
Earlier this month, UK authorities served a request under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which mandates companies to provide access to user data to law enforcement agencies. Although Apple did not comment directly on the notice and the Home Office neither confirmed nor denied its existence, several sources familiar with the matter have verified the order’s issuance. The demand has sparked outrage among privacy advocates, who have described it as an unprecedented intrusion into personal data.
Broader Implications
The incident has not only raised concerns about user privacy in the UK but also stirred alarm internationally. Some U.S. officials have warned that such demands might undermine national security and could force a reevaluation of intelligence-sharing agreements between the United States and the United Kingdom. It is important to note that while the change affects UK users, ADP remains active in other regions.
Looking Ahead
Apple reaffirmed its commitment to user privacy and high-level data security, emphasizing that protecting personal information with robust encryption is more crucial than ever. The company expressed hope that a future solution might allow it to offer the same level of protection to UK customers without compromising security.
This development underscores the ongoing global tension between national security demands and the imperative to protect individual privacy.
