- Apple has announced that it was withdrawing its advanced data protection functionality from the United Kingdom
- The decision comes after the British government requested a stolen encryption door
- New users will not be able to access the functionality, existing users losing features in the future
To date, on February 21, 2025, the people of the United Kingdom will not be able to use the advanced encryption protection from start to finish iCloud.
Apple had to kill its advanced data protection function (ADP) in the United Kingdom after being struck by a encryption-stolen door order under the 2016 survey powers. The request aims to allow the police forces to assess user data – it doesn’t matter if they are encrypted.
In a press release, Apple explained that he could no longer offer the ADP functionality to new users in the United Kingdom, and the British currently using the option will ultimately have to deactivate it. “As we have said on several occasions before, we have never built a stolen door or master in any of our products or services and we will never do it.”
“Seriously disappointed”
Although it is not a default feature, once the Apple data (ADP) protection is activated, provides an additional protection layer on all iCloud stored data using the encryption technology end. This means that even Apple cannot access these files.
“We are seriously disappointed that the protections provided by the ADP will not be available for our customers in the United Kingdom given the rise of data violations and other threats to customers’ confidentiality. Improve the safety of storage of storage storage Cloud with end -to -end encryption is more urgent than ever, “said Apple.
Recent events such as the Typhon of Salt attack against all the main American telecommunications have shown, many and many times, how encryption is crucial for the privacy and security of each. Even FBI and CISA experts called on citizens to switch to quantified services in the aftermath of this unprecedented cyber attack.
This is why a group of more than 100 civil society organizations, technological companies and cybersecurity experts urged the British government to cancel its order in Apple. Without success, however.
More than 100 managers, academics, organizations and internet companies have expressed their alarm with the British government’s attempt to create deadlines on encrypted backups. They demand it stop. Read the complete open letter here ⬇️ https://t.co/khbxrh114aFebruary 13, 2025
Apple now guarantees that the withdrawal of its advanced data protection function from the United Kingdom will not affect the iCloud data categories which are encrypted from start to finish by default. These include user health data, passwords, iCloud messages and Apple card transactions. You can see all the others on the Apple assistance page.
Likewise, the communication services offered by the supplier (Imessage and FaceTime) also remain encrypted from start to finish everywhere, the United Kingdom included.
If you are currently using ADP protections, you will soon receive additional Apple tips on what to do then because the supplier cannot automatically deactivate the user option. A delay will be provided to deactivate the option to continue using your iCloud account.
What is important to keep in mind, however, is that, from now on, British users will not be able to benefit from E2E protections on these data categories: iCloud backup, iCloud reader, photos, notes, reminders , SAFARI bookmarks, SIRI shortcuts, memos voice, wallet passes and free form.
Overall, the company said: “Apple remains determined to offer our users the highest level of security for their personal data and hope that we can do it in the future in the United Kingdom.”