Apple forced to remove important security feature in the UK, calls it a “grave disappointment”

Apple

Apple has confirmed that it will no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the UK, citing government pressure as the reason behind this decision. The move affects both new and existing UK users, who will eventually have to disable the feature. “Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the United Kingdom to new users and current UK users will eventually need to disable this security feature,” said the company in a statement.

ADP provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud data, ensuring that only the user can access it on their trusted devices. The feature enhances privacy by preventing even Apple from decrypting stored data. The ADP feature, which provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud data, ensures that only the user can decrypt their data on their trusted devices. This includes iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes, Reminders, Safari Bookmarks, voice memos, and data associated with Apple's own apps.

By disabling this feature, Apple will now only offer standard data protection for iCloud in the UK, which encrypts users' data but stores the encryption keys in its own data centers, making it accessible to law enforcement with a warrant

However, due to UK government regulations, Apple has been forced to withdraw the security feature — a move the company calls “gravely disappointing.”

“We are deeply disappointed that UK customers will lose access to the protections offered by ADP, especially at a time when data breaches and privacy threats are on the rise,” Apple stated. The company reiterated its long-standing position on encryption, stating, “We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services, and we never will.”

This decision is believed to be influenced by the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which seeks greater access to encrypted communications and stored data. Critics argue that weakening encryption compromises user privacy and makes data more vulnerable to hacking attempts.

Apple maintains that it remains committed to offering the highest level of security to its users and hopes to reinstate ADP in the UK in the future.