Apple is removing Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for UK users after the UK Home Office requested access to encrypted iCloud data. ADP, an opt-in security feature, provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, photos, notes, and voice memos, preventing even Apple from accessing the data. Unlike standard encryption—where Apple can comply with legal requests—ADP ensures that only the user has access.
Instead of complying with the UK government’s request, Apple has stopped new sign-ups for ADP in the UK and will remove access for existing users at a later date (yet to be announced). Standard encryption remains in place, meaning Apple can still access iCloud data if required by law enforcement.
Cybersecurity experts have raised concerns, warning that removing ADP weakens user privacy and could set a precedent for other governments to demand similar access. Some liken government-mandated backdoors to leaving house keys under a doormat, creating security vulnerabilities that bad actors could exploit. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) also criticized the UK’s demand, arguing that compliance would have weakened encryption globally. Apple maintains that it has never built and never will build a backdoor into its products.
Meanwhile, Google and Samsung offer encryption features for cloud backups, though protections vary. Google encrypts Android backups using a user’s passcode, preventing access even by Google itself, but services like Google Photos and Google Drive lack end-to-end encryption. Samsung Galaxy devices also provide enhanced data protection for backups, encrypting messages, call logs, and app data.
