Apple to Remove Advanced Data Protection in the UK Following Government Demand
The tech company announces the discontinuation of its highest level of data protection, enabling government access to user data.
Apple Inc. has announced that it will discontinue its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for customers in the United Kingdom, following a demand from the UK government for access to user data.
ADP provided end-to-end encryption for data stored in iCloud, ensuring that only users could access their information.
The decision to phase out this crucial security feature comes after the UK Home Office reportedly issued an order seeking access to encrypted files held in the cloud.
In a statement, Apple expressed discontent regarding the government's request, noting their disappointment in having to remove a tool that was designed to enhance user privacy amid rising concerns over data breaches.
The company pointed out that with ADP in place, only account holders could view their files, effectively preventing third-party access, including law enforcement agencies.
Apple stated, "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." The company emphasized its commitment to user security, assuring that it has never included a backdoor or master key in its products.
Apple will prevent new users in the UK from utilizing ADP, and current users will eventually be required to disable the feature to comply with the order.
The removal of this data protection tool is a significant change for users who rely on Apple’s encryption for their personal data security.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Apple's launch of its new iPhone 16e, a more affordable model which incorporates Apple’s AI tools but does not use the advanced security features previously available through ADP. The iPhone 16e is set to go on sale in the UK on February 28, with a starting price of £599, which is £200 less than Apple’s current cheapest iPhone 16 model released in September.
According to Kaiann Drance of Apple, "We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the line-up as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people." The impact of the removal of Advanced Data Protection on consumer trust in Apple's commitment to privacy remains to be seen.
ADP provided end-to-end encryption for data stored in iCloud, ensuring that only users could access their information.
The decision to phase out this crucial security feature comes after the UK Home Office reportedly issued an order seeking access to encrypted files held in the cloud.
In a statement, Apple expressed discontent regarding the government's request, noting their disappointment in having to remove a tool that was designed to enhance user privacy amid rising concerns over data breaches.
The company pointed out that with ADP in place, only account holders could view their files, effectively preventing third-party access, including law enforcement agencies.
Apple stated, "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." The company emphasized its commitment to user security, assuring that it has never included a backdoor or master key in its products.
Apple will prevent new users in the UK from utilizing ADP, and current users will eventually be required to disable the feature to comply with the order.
The removal of this data protection tool is a significant change for users who rely on Apple’s encryption for their personal data security.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Apple's launch of its new iPhone 16e, a more affordable model which incorporates Apple’s AI tools but does not use the advanced security features previously available through ADP. The iPhone 16e is set to go on sale in the UK on February 28, with a starting price of £599, which is £200 less than Apple’s current cheapest iPhone 16 model released in September.
According to Kaiann Drance of Apple, "We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the line-up as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people." The impact of the removal of Advanced Data Protection on consumer trust in Apple's commitment to privacy remains to be seen.
