Apple has removed its strongest data protection (Advanced Data Protection, or ADP) feature from UK users after government demands for a backdoor into encrypted communications. The decision marks a critical moment in the ongoing battle between tech privacy and government surveillance, and may spark tension with other nations.

What’s Happening?

Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, photos, notes, and messages. At the time of writing, this feature is no longer available to UK users. New users can’t enable it, and existing users will be forced to disable it. The change effectively means the UK government have blanket access to UK Apple users’ cloud data – rather than needing to work with Apple to monitor specific accounts.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about UK privacy – it’s a potential watershed moment for global encryption. Security experts warn it creates a dangerous precedent that other governments could follow, particularly those that are part of the Commonwealth. “If the UK forces a global backdoor into Apple’s security, it will make everyone in every country less safe,” warns WhatsApp chief Will Cathcart –

UK Government’s Stance

The UK Home Office, using the Investigatory Powers Act (nicknamed the “Snoopers’ Charter”), demanded blanket access to encrypted user data. They claim it’s necessary for law enforcement and national security.

It’s worth noting that Apple do have systems in place to ensure prompt, helpful compliance with lawful requests for data. It is not a matter of being uncooperative; but maintaining a commitment to user privacy and preventing overreach.

Apple’s Position

Apple, historically opposed to creating encryption backdoors, chose to remove the feature in the UK entirely rather than compromise its security. The company states they are “gravely disappointed”.

Reuters have reported data encrypted before Apple launched its protection service will remain encrypted – for example; passwords, iMessages, FaceTime data.

The Fallout

• UK users lose access to Apple’s Advanced Data Protection option
• Standard iCloud encryption remains but is accessible to law enforcement
• Cybersecurity experts have warned of increased risks for UK users, and seem to agree that the impact on consumers will not be positive
• U.S. officials have recently condemned the UK’s approach to Apple’s encryption, calling it an “attack on US cybersecurity”

What’s Next?

Apple have sent a clear message – if government’s push them to create backdoors; they are more likely to just remove features for that government’s citizens rather than comply and risk compromising security for all of their users.

This is also consistent with their 2016 stance on the FBI’s request to create a backdoor, and a pattern of behavior you should expect from Apple.

There is a clear tension between Apple and the UK Government; which appears to be reflected by the stance of US officials siding with Apple & characterizing the move as an overreach by the UK. 

Both the US and UK are part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) – which been in effect since WWII. Another Five Eyes nation, Australia, is predicted to follow the UK with similar demands. This isn’t the first sign of instability in the Five Eyes, and it’s unlikely to be the last.

Your Digital Footprint 

Data stored on iCloud and your iMessage history are just one part of your digital footprint. Holistically, your footprint consists of potentially hundreds or thousands of additional sources – one of the biggest contributors for most people is their own social media profiles.

For most people and businesses, routinely deleting old, out of date content is enough to reduce the risk of cyber attacks and reputational harm through social media. This process can be tedious and time-consuming; that’s where redact.dev comes in.

Our app gives you the tools to mass-delete your content from a constantly-growing list of social and professional media platforms. You can download and try Redact – and start cleaning up your digital footprint to reduce risk of it being exploited.