Apple has decided to remove its top-level data protection tool, called Advanced Data Protection (ADP), for UK customers after the UK government asked for access to user data.
According to the BBC, ADP uses a system called end-to-end encryption, which means only the account holder can see their photos, documents, or other data stored online—not even Apple can access it.
However, the UK government wants the ability to view this data, which Apple strongly opposes. Apple says creating a “backdoor” for governments would weaken security and could be exploited by hackers.
As a result, Apple is disabling ADP for UK users. Starting Friday, UK customers can no longer turn on this feature, and existing users will lose access later.
This means data stored on iCloud, Apple’s cloud service, will no longer be fully encrypted for UK users. Standard encryption allows Apple to share data with law enforcement if they have a legal warrant.
The BBC reports that the UK government made this request under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which forces companies to share data with authorities. Apple called the decision “gravely disappointing” and said it has never created a backdoor for its products and never will. Experts, like cybersecurity professor Alan Woodward, say this move weakens privacy and security for UK users and sets a worrying precedent.
Privacy campaigners and tech leaders, including WhatsApp’s head Will Cathcart, have criticized the UK’s demand, saying it could make everyone less safe. Even US politicians, like Senator Ron Wyden, have warned that this could threaten global privacy and national security. They argue that if the UK succeeds, other countries might make similar demands.
The BBC also highlights concerns from child safety groups, like the NSPCC, who worry that strong encryption could make it harder to detect illegal content, such as child abuse material.
However, privacy experts, like Emily Taylor, argue that encryption is essential for protecting everyday online activities, like banking and messaging, and is not the same as the dark web.
Apple says it remains committed to user privacy and hopes to offer strong security features in the UK again in the future.
This situation reflects a growing tension between governments wanting access to data and tech companies trying to protect user privacy.
As the BBC explains, this is part of a larger global debate about balancing safety, privacy, and security in the digital age.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgj54eq4vejo