Apple pulls encryption feature from UK over government spying demands
1 min read
Summary
Apple has stopped offering its end-to-end encrypted iCloud storage, called Advanced Data Protection (ADP), to new users in the UK, and will require existing users to disable the feature at some point in the future.
This comes after reports earlier this month revealed that the UK had requested Apple provide security services access to encrypted backups of global users.
“We are gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our customers in the UK,” said an Apple spokesperson.
However, some types of iCloud data are end-to-end encrypted by default and will remain so, including passwords, health data, payment information and iMessage logs.
It is not clear how or why the UK’s Investigatory Powers Act 2016 has been invoked.
It allows the UK government to request communications data between parties, without a warrant.
Apple, and other large tech firms, have the right to appeal any such demands, but not to delay their implementation.