Apple has recently decided to discontinue its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for iCloud in the United Kingdom, following governmental requests for backdoor access to encrypted user data. This move, which commenced immediately, marks a significant policy shift as the feature was designed to ensure only users and their trusted devices could access the encryption keys necessary to unlock their data.

The ADP system secured various types of data stored in iCloud, including backups, photos, notes, and other application data. Apple expressed its disappointment through a statement, highlighting the rising threats to customer privacy and data breaches. They noted the critical nature of end-to-end encryption provided by ADP, which only decrypts data on trusted devices owned by the user.

Current users of ADP will have to manually deactivate the feature, as Apple is unable to disable it on their behalf. This development follows the U.K. government’s directive for Apple to create a backdoor enabling access to any user’s iCloud content, under the Investigatory Powers Act. This law requires companies to provide a means for authorities to access encrypted data on a broad scale, rather than on a case-by-case basis.

As a result of this removal, iCloud will revert to its standard data protection framework. In standard iCloud protection, while data is still encrypted, the keys are stored on Apple’s servers, making them accessible to law enforcement with a warrant.

In light of these actions, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Andy Biggs have addressed the situation, urging the U.K. to retract its order due to its implications for privacy and security. They emphasized that if such orders persist, it may be necessary to reassess U.S.-U.K. collaboration on cybersecurity and intelligence sharing.

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