Apple has decided to remove the Advanced Data Protection (ADP) system on iCloud, which has implications for customers in the United Kingdom, as mandated by the government.
ADP is an end-to-end data encryption system on iCloud that allows users to store documents or photos. Users have to opt-in to enable this feature, as opposed to the basic encryption already in place on iCloud. The UK government has requested Apple to deactivate this function to allow them access to the data upon request. This decision to remove the system seems contrary to Apple’s previous stance.
Users in the UK connecting to iCloud will receive a message that ADP is no longer available in the country if they attempt to enable it. Existing users who have ADP activated will have it disabled in the future.
Apple expressed regret that they could not offer the advanced data protection system to their customers in the UK and confirmed that they do not have any special access or backdoor to access the data.
Security experts believe that if the UK can pressure Apple, there is a high chance that similar requests may come from other governments in the future.
Source: BBC
TLDR: Apple removes Advanced Data Protection system from iCloud for UK customers as per government order. Users must now deactivate the system, potentially setting a precedent for similar requests from other governments.
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