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Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2025-02-21 15:43:47.684
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Apple pulls iCloud end-to-end encryption feature in the UK. Apple will no longer offer iCloud end-to-end encryption in the United Kingdom after the government requested a backdoor to access Apple customers' encrypted cloud data. As Apple told BleepingComputer on Friday, the optional Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature introduced in December 2022 will no longer be available for new users in the U.K. starting today. Those trying to access and enable the feature will see the following message: "Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the United Kingdom to new users." This decision follows a secret order from the United Kingdom government demanding that Apple create a backdoor that would provide access to the unencrypted data of any Apple user worldwide. "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. 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 told BleepingComputer. "Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before. Apple remains committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their personal data and are hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the United Kingdom." On its "Government Information Requests" page, the company says it "never created a backdoor or master key" to any of its products or services, "never allowed any government direct access to Apple servers," and "never will." While Apple cannot disable ADP for current ADP users in the U.K., they will eventually be required to disable it to keep using their iCloud account using guidance provided by Apple over the coming weeks or days. Apple's communication services (iMessage and FaceTime) and Health and iCloud Keychain data will remain end-to-end encrypted, including in the U.K. Apple says that ADP continues to be available for customers worldwide, who can enable it to ensure that their encrypted iCloud data can only be decrypted on trusted devices.
Daily Brief Summary
Apple has discontinued its end-to-end encryption feature for iCloud, called Advanced Data Protection (ADP), for new users in the UK.
This decision was made after the UK government issued a secret order demanding a backdoor access to the encrypted cloud data of Apple's users worldwide.
Existing UK users currently using ADP will eventually need to disable the feature following Apple's forthcoming guidelines.
Despite the change, Apple's iMessage, FaceTime, Health, and iCloud Keychain services will maintain their end-to-end encryption.
Apple expressed disappointment, citing the critical need for enhanced security measures due to increasing data breaches and privacy threats.
The company reaffirms its commitment to protecting user data and has never allowed direct government access to its servers or created a backdoor to its products.
ADP will still be available for users outside the UK, ensuring their iCloud data remains secure and can only be decrypted on trusted devices.