Apple Disables End-to-End Encryption for UK iCloud Users Following Government Pressure
Apple confirmed on Friday that it can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP)—its end-to-end encryption feature for iCloud—to users in the United Kingdom. The decision comes after the UK government reportedly demanded a backdoor to access encrypted user data.
Key Developments:
- ADP disabled for new UK users: The feature is no longer available for activation.
- Existing users affected: Current ADP users will eventually need to disable the security measure.
- Global implications: Privacy experts warn this sets a dangerous precedent for government overreach.
Why This Matters
Apple’s ADP feature ensures that only the user can access their iCloud data—not even Apple or government agencies can decrypt it. By removing this protection, UK citizens face heightened risks of data breaches and unauthorized surveillance.
“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 stated.
Image: TechCrunch
Caption: Apple notifies UK users that ADP is no longer available.
Government Backdoor Demand Sparks Outrage
The UK Home Office allegedly ordered Apple to create a backdoor for law enforcement, granting authorities unrestricted access to encrypted iCloud data. Critics argue this undermines global privacy standards and could embolden authoritarian regimes to make similar demands.
- Unprecedented move: Rare for a democratic government to mandate such access.
- Security risks: Backdoors weaken encryption, exposing data to hackers and malicious actors.
James Baker of the Open Rights Group condemned the decision:
“The Home Office’s actions have deprived millions of Britons from accessing a security feature. British citizens will be at higher risk of their personal data falling into the wrong hands.”
What Data Is Still Encrypted?
While ADP is disabled for UK users, some data remains protected by default:
- Health data (e.g., Apple Health records)
- Messages (iCloud backups of iMessages)
- Payment information (Apple Pay details)
However, photos, notes, and device backups—previously secured under ADP—will no longer be end-to-end encrypted for UK customers.
What Happens Next?
- Existing ADP users: Apple will provide guidance on disabling the feature to continue using iCloud.
- Global users unaffected: ADP remains available outside the UK.
- Encrypted services intact: iMessage and FaceTime encryption are unchanged.
Expert Reactions
Matthew Green, a cryptography professor at Johns Hopkins University, urged non-UK users to enable ADP immediately:
“The more people who use it, the harder it will be to shut off this way.”
A Broader Privacy Battle
Governments have long clashed with tech companies over encryption, citing national security concerns. However, experts argue that weakening encryption harms public safety by making data vulnerable to cybercriminals.
Apple reiterated its stance:
“We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products—and we never will.”
Final Takeaways
- UK users lose a critical privacy tool due to government intervention.
- Global privacy advocates warn of ripple effects if other countries follow suit.
- Encryption remains a contentious issue balancing security and surveillance.
This story was updated with additional context on encrypted data categories and expert commentary.
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