Apple, in a significant move, has disabled its most robust encryption feature, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), for new users in the UK. This decision comes in the wake of the UK government ordering Apple to create a backdoor that would allow access to user data.
According to a report by Bloomberg, ADP is an optional feature that provides end-to-end encryption for various iCloud data and offers an additional layer of security for sensitive information like device backups, photos, messages, and more.
What Apple has to say about removing ADP
Apple expressed “grave disappointment” with the situation, emphasising the rising threat of data breaches and the importance of user privacy.
“We are gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our customers in the UK given the continuing rise of data breaches and other threats to customer privacy,” the company said in a statement.
“ADP protects iCloud data with end-to-end encryption, which means the data can only be decrypted by the user who owns it, and only on their trusted devices,” it added.
This move follows reports that the UK government had demanded Apple build a backdoor into its systems for global user data access under the Investigatory Powers Act, essentially allowing officials to compel companies to remove encryption and prohibits them from disclosing such orders.
Apple previously called the bill “unprecedented overreach by the government” and that “the UK could attempt to secretly veto new user protections globally preventing us from ever offering them to customers.”
Apple’s decision to remove ADP, rather than comply with the backdoor demand, is a direct response to the government’s order.
The company reiterated its commitment to user privacy and security
“As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will,” Apple added.
What it means for users
While existing ADP users have a grace period to disable the feature manually, new users in the UK will not have access to it, raising concerns about user privacy and the potential for increased government surveillance.
It also sets a concerning precedent that could encourage other countries to pressure Apple into weakening its security measures, the report says.