Apple has ceased offering its Advanced Data Protection feature to UK users, following demands from the British government for access to encrypted iCloud data. This decision means that iCloud backups in the UK will no longer be end-to-end encrypted, allowing Apple to access and, if required, share user data with law enforcement agencies possessing a valid warrant.
The UK’s request was made under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 , which grants authorities the ability to mandate companies to provide access to encrypted data for national security and crime prevention purposes. In response, Apple opted to remove the ADP feature in the UK, stating that complying with the demand would compromise user privacy and security.
The ADP feature, introduced globally in late 2022, provided users with end-to-end encryption for their iCloud data, ensuring that only the account holder could access their information. By disabling this feature in the UK, users’ data, including backups, photos, and documents, are now accessible to Apple and can be shared with law enforcement when legally required.
This development has sparked a debate over the balance between national security and individual privacy. Proponents argue that access to encrypted data is essential for combating serious crimes, such as terrorism and child exploitation. Critics, however, contend that weakening encryption undermines overall cybersecurity and sets a concerning precedent for government overreach.
The UK’s stance has also drawn international attention. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the UK’s demand, likening it to surveillance practices in countries like China. He expressed concerns that such actions could infringe upon the privacy rights of individuals, including American citizens.
