Link: Apple pulls encryption feature from UK over government spying demands

Apple has discontinued its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for iCloud users in the UK, preventing new users from enabling the feature and requiring existing users to disable it in the future. This decision follows demands from UK security services for access to encrypted backups.

ADP, which was introduced by Apple in late 2022, employs end-to-end encryption to safeguard iCloud data, allowing only the account owner to decrypt it on their devices. The removal of ADP exposes users' files to potential access by Apple and law enforcement, still requiring a warrant.

Despite the restriction on ADP, some iCloud data types like passwords and health information will remain end-to-end encrypted. However, iCloud backups, photos, and notes will lose this security benefit in the UK.

Apple expresses disappointment over the inability to offer the full security benefits of ADP to its UK customers, citing increasing concerns over data breaches and privacy threats. The company remains hopeful about restoring these protections in the future.

Earlier efforts by the UK government to undermine encryption cite concerns about criminal activities, but Apple has consistently opposed creating backdoors into its encryption. The UK’s demands extend to user files worldwide, raising global privacy implications.

The changes to ADP in the UK have not affected other regions, where users can still enable the feature through their iCloud settings. Apple advises users outside the UK to activate ADP to enjoy enhanced data protection. #

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Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.