Apple has decided to discontinue the option for enabling Advanced Data Protection for iCloud users residing in the United Kingdom. This feature allowed users to secure their iCloud data with complete end-to-end encryption. However, a recent directive from the UK government mandates that companies like Apple must implement backdoors in their encryption systems.
Instead of compromising on the Advanced Data Protection feature, Apple feels compelled to remove it entirely. In a communication to DMN, Apple mentioned that users currently utilizing ADP in the UK will eventually need to turn off this security feature to continue using their iCloud accounts.
Below is Apple’s official statement:
“Apple can no longer provide Advanced Data Protection (ADP) to new users in the United Kingdom, and existing UK users will eventually have to disable this security feature. ADP secures iCloud data with end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the user who owns the data can decrypt it, and only on their trusted devices. We are deeply disappointed that UK customers will not have access to the protections offered by ADP, especially in light of the increasing number of data breaches and threats to customer privacy. The urgency for enhanced cloud storage security through end-to-end encryption has never been greater. Apple is dedicated to offering the highest level of security for our users’ personal data and hopes to be able to do so in the UK in the future. As we have consistently stated, we have never created a backdoor or master key for any of our products or services, and we never will.”
