Apple has made a surprising decision to remove its top-level data security feature, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), for customers in the UK. This move comes after the UK government requested access to user data.
ADP allows users to store their data, such as photos and documents, with robust end-to-end encryption. This means that only account holders can view their information— not even Apple can access it. However, the UK government has pushed for the ability to access this data, claiming it is necessary for law enforcement.
Despite Apple’s strong opposition to creating any “backdoor” in its encryption process, they will no longer allow UK users to enable ADP. This change will lead to less secure cloud storage for British customers. Instead of full encryption, data will be protected by standard encryption, making it accessible to Apple and potentially shareable with law enforcement if a warrant is obtained.
In an official statement, Apple expressed disappointment about this limitation, reiterating its stance against backdoors in its systems. ADP was an opt-in service, meaning users had to actively choose to use it. Now, as of 1500GMT on Friday, anyone in the UK trying to activate ADP will see an error message.
Existing users will lose access to ADP at a later date. The exact number of UK users who signed up for ADP since its launch in December 2022 remains unclear. Cybersecurity expert Prof Alan Woodward described the removal of this feature as a “very disappointing development,” suggesting it weakens user security and privacy.
The UK’s request was made under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which requires companies to comply with law enforcement requests. This prompted concerns from privacy advocates, who called it an unprecedented invasion of personal data. Some U.S. politicians even suggested re-evaluating intelligence-sharing agreements with the UK over this matter.
Apple did regret taking this step, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security. The company remains committed to offering high data protection levels in the future, hoping to regain the ability to provide ADP in the UK.
As tensions grow over tech regulations in various countries, the situation reflects broader concerns about technology, privacy, and government oversight worldwide.
