Apple has announced the removal of its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for UK users following pressure from the British government.
The decision comes after the UK government made a request under the Investigatory Powers Act to gain access to encrypted user data.
The tech giant expressed “profound disappointment” that these protections will no longer be available to UK customers, particularly given the rising threats to user privacy.
Apple emphasised that it has never created backdoors for its products and has no intention to do so.
For most UK users, the change will primarily affect how their iCloud data is protected. The ADP feature previously ensured that only account holders could access their stored information, including photos and documents. With its removal, Apple will maintain access to UK users’ cloud data, making it available to authorities when legally required.
Cybersecurity experts have strongly criticized this development. Matthew Hodgson, CEO of secure communications firm Element, called it “a serious wake up call for the UK government and its never-ending quest to undermine end-to-end encryption.”
Experts warn that this decision will make UK users more vulnerable to cyber threats.
Vincentas Baubonis, Head of Security Research at Cybernews, a research-driven cybersecurity publication, commented:
“Apple’s decision to drop Advanced Data Protection in the UK is a massive step backward for user privacy. End-to-end encryption is what keeps personal data truly safe – without it, iCloud backups become a goldmine for hackers, governments, and anyone looking to exploit sensitive information.
The biggest concern here is that Apple made this decision under government pressure. If the UK can force one of the world’s most powerful tech companies to weaken security, other governments will take note and may push for similar concessions. This could lead to a domino effect where encryption is gradually abandoned, and that would put users everywhere at greater risk.
In cases like this, it’s not just law enforcement that benefits – cybercriminals do too. A single security vulnerability can open the floodgates to mass data breaches, identity theft, and financial fraud. Now, millions of UK users have fewer options to secure their personal data compared to users in other countries – at a time when cyber threats are escalating for both individuals and businesses.
Instead of increasing safety, stripping encryption protections makes people more vulnerable. If governments truly want to protect their citizens, they should be pushing for stronger encryption, not weaker.”
From a Scottish technology standpoint, this development raises particular concerns for the nation’s growing tech sector, which operates under UK legislation despite Scotland’s distinct legal system. The decision could impact Scottish businesses and users who rely on Apple’s security features, potentially affecting the country’s digital economy and privacy landscape.
