Apple Disables Advanced Data Protection in the UK Due to Government Demands
Apple halts its Advanced Data Protection encryption service in the UK, leaving users vulnerable after government demands for backdoor access to data privacy.
Overview
Apple has withdrawn its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service in the UK after the government demanded backdoor access to encrypted data. ADP provided end-to-end encryption for iCloud files and user data, meaning only the account holder could access them. With this decision, UK users' data will no longer have the same level of protection, as it can now be decrypted by Apple and the UK government. Apple expressed disappointment over the loss of privacy protections and reaffirmed its commitment to user security in the future, while experts warn of the risks to privacy and security under government pressure.
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Apple pulled its Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK due to government demands for backdoor access to encrypted user data, which would have compromised the security of the feature.
UK users will no longer have end-to-end encryption for data types such as iCloud Backup, iCloud Drive, Photos, and Notes, which were previously protected under Advanced Data Protection.
Users who already have Advanced Data Protection enabled will need to manually disable it during a specified grace period to continue using their iCloud accounts.
The decision sets a dangerous precedent for weakening encryption globally, potentially making users more vulnerable to cyber threats and pressuring other companies to compromise their security measures.
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