Apple Inc. has announced the discontinuation of its most sophisticated encrypted security feature for cloud data in the UK, a decision that follows the government’s directive for the tech giant to implement a backdoor for accessing user data.
On Friday, the company revealed that Advanced Data Protection (ADP), an optional feature that enhances end-to-end encryption for various types of user data, will no longer be available for new users in the UK. This technology historically added an extra security measure for iCloud data storage, including device backups, web bookmarks, voice memos, notes, photos, reminders, and text message backups.
In a statement, Apple expressed deep dissatisfaction with the situation, stating, “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 emphasized that ADP ensures users’ iCloud data can only be decrypted by them and on their trusted devices.
This controversial decision comes shortly after reports emerged that the UK government had ordered Apple to create a backdoor allowing access to customer data on a global scale.
The removal of ADP may simplify the process for the UK government to request user data, raising significant concerns among customers regarding their data security. This action could also pave the way for other countries to push Apple toward loosening its security protocols.
A spokesperson for the UK Home Office stated that they do not comment on operational matters, including whether such notices exist.
Previously, Apple criticized a proposed bill in the UK Parliament demanding access to user data, deeming it “unprecedented overreach by the government.” The company warned that such actions could lead to a global veto on new user protections, hindering their ability to offer secure services.
Current users of ADP will need to manually disable the feature within an unspecified grace period to maintain functionality of their iCloud accounts. Apple announced that guidance for affected users will be provided in the future, noting it will not automatically disable the service.
The decision to withdraw the encryption feature rather than fulfill the government’s demand for a backdoor reflects Apple’s firm stance against compromising user security.
“We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services, and we never will,” Apple reiterated on Friday.
“Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever,” the company added, expressing hope to restore the highest level of user security in the UK in the future.
Users attempting to activate Advanced Data Protection will see a notification on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac stating, “Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the United Kingdom to new users.” A guide on enabling the feature remains available globally, except in the UK.
Despite the removal of ADP, other Apple services—including iMessage, FaceTime, password management, and health data—will continue to provide end-to-end encryption as a default feature. While some industry experts have speculated that Apple might withdraw its services from the UK entirely, the removal of the optional security feature currently serves as a compromise.
Apple has a precedent of modifying its offerings to maintain operations in specific markets, such as the localization of iCloud in China and collaboration with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. to implement content filtering. At the same time, the company has consistently promoted privacy as a guiding principle, previously contesting a U.S. government request for a backdoor into iPhone data nearly a decade ago.
According to reports, the UK’s order to Apple includes demands for global user data access under the Investigatory Powers Act, which allows officials to compel companies to eliminate encryption through a “technical capability notice.” Importantly, this law prohibits companies from disclosing the existence of such orders.
“Protecting our users’ privacy and the security of their data is at the very heart of everything we do at Apple,” the company stated in response to the 2023 UK parliamentary bill concerning user data access.
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