Feb 22, 2025 09:00:00

Apple to end 'Advanced Data Protection' feature in the UK

It has been revealed that Apple has stopped offering the

Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature, which protects data stored in iCloud, including backups, photos, and notes. The company has also announced that it plans to disable the feature for users who are already using it in the future.

Apple is removing iCloud end-to-encryption features from the UK after government compelled it to add backdoors - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/apple-removing-end-to-encryption-uk/

Apple pulls encryption feature from UK over government spying demands | The Verge

https://www.theverge.com/news/617273/apple-removes-encryption-advanced-data-protection-adp-uk-spying-backdoor

Apple's 'Advanced Data Protection' is a mechanism to protect iCloud data by end-to-end encryption (E2EE), and was introduced in iOS 16.3. When the feature is enabled, the key to decrypt the encrypted data is stored on a 'trusted device' that supports the feature, and even Apple cannot decrypt the data.

Apple releases iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, and macOS Ventura 13.2, adding original wallpapers, supporting FIDO keys with Apple ID, advanced data protection for iCloud, etc. - GIGAZINE

In the UK, it is no longer possible to set up this 'advanced data protection' feature, and users who already have it will likely no longer be able to use it in the future.

News site 9to5Mac has the full statement from Apple:

'Apple will no longer be able to offer Advanced Data Protection to new customers in the UK, and existing customers will eventually have to disable the feature. Advanced Data Protection protects iCloud data with end-to-end encryption, meaning it can only be decrypted on its own trusted devices. With the ever-increasing threat of data breaches and customer privacy, we regret that we will no longer be able to offer Advanced Data Protection to our UK customers. The need for enhanced cloud storage security with end-to-end encryption has never been more urgent. Apple remains committed to providing the highest level of security for our users' personal data, and we look forward to doing the same in the UK in the future. As we have said many times before, Apple has never installed backdoors or master keys in any of our products or services, and we never will.'

The news site The Verge states, 'Advanced Data Protection will continue to be available for free outside the UK, so we recommend that people outside the UK keep it enabled.'