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

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.

What is ADP and how it benefits users?

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