Apple has discontinued offering Advanced Data Protection (ADP), a security feature that allowed UK users to encrypt their iCloud data, following a government request for a backdoor into encrypted data. The company had initially announced the feature’s launch in December 2022.
ADP enabled users to encrypt their data, including backups, photos, and notes, making it inaccessible to third parties, including Apple itself. However, the UK government reportedly demanded that Apple create a mechanism to grant authorities “blanket” access to users’ data, even if encrypted.
Apple has expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing the importance of enhancing cloud storage security through end-to-end encryption. The company has stated that it has not and will not create backdoors or master keys for any of its products or services.
Existing users with ADP enabled will have a transition period to disable the feature and continue using iCloud. Certain types of data, such as health data, messages, and payment information, will remain end-to-end encrypted for all users.
The UK government has not yet commented on the matter. Digital rights advocates have condemned the move, highlighting that it compromises the privacy of millions of Britons and increases the risk of data breaches.
Matthew Green, a cryptography expert, has urged non-UK users to enable ADP, asserting that its widespread adoption will make it more challenging for authorities to dismantle it.
ADP remains unaffected for users outside the UK, and end-to-end encrypted communication services like FaceTime and iMessage are also not impacted by this change.
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch
