Apple halts advanced data protection in the UK over goverment encryption backdoor demands
Apple has stopped offering its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for iCloud storage to new users in the UK and plans to require existing users to disable it. This decision comes amid reports that UK security services requested backdoor access to encrypted backups globally. As of now, new UK users can no longer enable ADP, and existing users will have to disable it later.
Apple expressed disappointment, noting that the removal of ADP increases vulnerability to data breaches for UK users. ADP encrypts iCloud data, allowing only the account owner to decrypt it, thus preventing Apple and law enforcement from accessing it without user consent. Despite the removal, some data, such as passwords and health information, will remain end-to-end encrypted in the UK, but iCloud file backups, photos, notes, and voice memos will lose this level of encryption. Experts warn that weakening encryption for the government also weakens security for regular users, making them more vulnerable to cyber threats.
UK officials say encryption helps criminals evade law enforcement and shouldn’t block investigations. The Home Office, led by Yvette Cooper, demanded backdoor access under the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act. Apple can appeal but not delay implementation, making the shutdown the likely alternative, although the company hasn’t confirmed the reason, as revealing government demands could be a crime. It's worth noting that ADP remains available elsewhere and can be enabled in iCloud settings on updated devices with Account Recovery enabled.
- Cloud Storage Service
- Freemium • Proprietary
Related news
External links
- Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security rowBBC
- Apple Removes Cloud Encryption Feature From UK After Backdoor OrderBloomberg
- Apple pulls encryption feature from UK over government spying demandsThe Verge
- Apple removes advanced data protection tool in face of UK government requestthe Guardian
Comments
It's an interesting predicament and statement. It's easy to hate Apple for making that decision, but they chose to remove ADP rather than create a backdoor for any government. Hence why I see it as a statement: creating a backdoor is the same as advertising a weak point for bad actors to wreak havoc. However, the issue stems from the UK government that rather than grant us a fundamental right of being secure they'd rather leverage it towards their advantage. Someone made a comment about Orwell and I agree with that. Just think of who else may be asked by the UK gov to create a backdoor.
Why are they trying to hinder our digital security?
I hate Apple products I'm using the Iphone X and this makes me hate apple.
More evidence of why Orwell and other British authors were so keen on exploring this issue. They knew even back then what the future of their country held. We ought to pay attention today's visionaries for the same reason.
This is a sad day for digital privacy. Another reminder not to rely upon another entity for encryption.
That's the perfect (and sad) reminder that you don't own the integrity of your very own data if you cannot control the tools. And Apple obediently accept to make their products less secure, even if you supposed to trust the company enough to put your data, for all users in a whole country to prevent loosing a market, and so, money. So, you bought a product, and give money directly to Apple, but one day for obscure legal reason, you cannot have the same product no more. (Sure, it's more about iCloud, that you doesn't buy but "rent" since it's only a contract, but you cannot use your device with the same security than before.) Fortunately, the marketing will tell us that Apple is the most secure place on Earth for your data. As least as "secure" as laws define it.
Completely agree, though, it's debatable how truly private and not monopolized your data in Apple devices is in the first place. The fact that other companies have it harder to profit from your data on Apple's devices is only a side effect of Apple's own insidious and egregious practices. Also, this heightened security Apple claims is more of the same; don't letting you own your own stuff; you can get the wrong idea of side-loading stuff without giving Apple its cut. Or developing your own thing without paying Apple the yearly Apple Developer Program fee so it literally "blesses" your apps to run on your own device— Preposterous. Blasphemous even.
At one time I believed it wasn't like that. It's been like 10-12 years since that. When I see current Apple now I'm thinking maybe I was just too naïf or in denial. It sucks.