🔒Apple Withdraws UK Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
UK users lose out on stronger iCloud encryption
TL;DR
Apple stopped offering Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for new UK iCloud users, removing stronger encryption. This affects data security for millions of users.
Apple has withdrawn Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for new UK iCloud users, removing stronger encryption for iCloud data. This decision stems from a UK government order under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, which allows for Technical Capability Notices (TCNs) to compel tech companies to provide access to encrypted data. ADP offers end-to-end encryption for more iCloud data categories, but Apple's stance is that weakening encryption would compromise user security. The decision impacts millions of UK users who rely on iCloud for data storage and synchronization, potentially leaving them more vulnerable to data breaches. Apple reverted affected UK iCloud data to Standard Data Protection, leaving them 'gravely disappointed'.
Key Points
Apple withdrew ADP for new UK iCloud users in February 2025, affecting millions of users.
The UK government issued a Technical Capability Notice (TCN) in January 2025, requiring Apple to provide access to encrypted iCloud data.
Apple maintains that deliberately weakening encryption would compromise user security, impacting millions of users worldwide.
ADP offers end-to-end encryption for more iCloud data categories, but Apple doesn't possess the keys to decrypt that data.
Apple reverted affected UK iCloud data to Standard Data Protection, leaving them 'gravely disappointed'.
Why It Matters
If you're a UK iCloud user, your data is now less secure. Apple's decision to remove Advanced Data Protection means your iCloud data isn't as strongly encrypted as it was before. This affects millions of users who rely on iCloud for data storage and synchronization. Apple's stance is that weakening encryption would compromise user security, but the UK government's order under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 means UK users lose out on stronger encryption.
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