Apple has removed its strongest iCloud data protection for customers in the UK,Watch In the Morning of La Petite Mort Online as a refusal to comply with a government order demanding backdoor access to user data.
Apple has a security feature called Advanced Data Protection, which offers end-to-end data encryption of files and backups stored in iCloud — meaning only the owner can decrypt and access the data. But now, Apple users in the UK are left without this option because of a dispute between the tech giant and their government. According to The Washington Post, the UK government order demanded blanket access to Apple users' encrypted iCloud data.
SEE ALSO: Encryption backdoors violate human rights, EU court rulesInstead of complying with the demands, Apple subsequently pulled the ADP tool altogether. "We have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will," Apple said in a statement to Bloomberg, which first reported the story.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
UK-based users who haven't enabled ADP will no longer be able to add this protection. Those who already have ADP enabled will be given a grace period to disable the setting and guidance on how to adjust to the privacy change, Apple told Mashable. Under default iCloud data protections, data from apps like Health, iMessage, Keychain are still end-to-end encrypted. You can see the full list here.
Apple's decision leaves UK users' data more vulnerable, as would have complying with the order. Removing access to their most advanced version of data protection voluntarily is Apple's way of saying they won't participate in granting access to private data for the sake of government oversight. Apple "remains committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their personal data and are hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the United Kingdom," the statement continued.
Privacy and free speech advocates have praised the move for not bending to what they believe is an invasive law, which they say could establish a dangerous precedent for any government seeking access private data. "You can’t be tech-friendly while eroding the foundation of cybersecurity on which robust tech depends," said Signal President Meredith Whittaker in a statement to Reuters. "Encryption is not a luxury - it is a fundamental human right essential to a free society that also happens to underpin the global economy."
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
But still, the fact that Apple was forced to respond to the UK government in some way has users concerned about their suddenly vulnerable private data. The move has people wondering if its grounds for a breach of contract lawsuit, since privacy protection is a longstanding tent pole of Apple's products and services.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Apple has a long history of battling over government requests for user data. Several times, the company has refused law enforcement requests to unlock the iPhones of suspected mass shooters, once in 2016, and another time in 2020.
UPDATE: Feb. 23, 2025, 2:19 p.m. EST This story has been updated to include statements from Apple.
Topics Apple Privacy
Elon Musk reveals the first passenger SpaceX will send around the moon
Erin Andrews reveals her private battle with cervical cancer
Tesla is releasing updates to its Autopilot feature
How Indigenous voices are using social media to #ChangeTheDate
It's Time to Reinvent the Digital Pen
UK regulator: White male bank culture is ‘difficult to take'
Nerf's newest blasters shoot foam cars, not darts
Oscar nominees: Here's the full list
Tennessee vs. UCLA 2025 livestream: How to watch March Madness for free
J.K. Rowling fights back as Donald Trump reinstates anti
Samsung The Frame deal: Get up to 40% off at Samsung
Frustrated kid politely lets everyone know how he really feels
Nerf's newest blasters shoot foam cars, not darts
Instead of calling, the White House wants you to message it on Facebook
Today's Hurdle hints and answers for April 29, 2025
10 original songs cut from 'La La Land' for who knows why
Trump gives second life to Keystone XL, Dakota Access oil pipelines
Google Home adds new partners to its Home Control platform
Nvidia Pascal Goes Mobile: GeForce GTX 1080, 1070 & 1060 Preview
Constance Wu calls out Casey Affleck's Oscar nomination
'Wordle' today: Get the answer, hints for June 29Taco Bell is experimenting with giant CheezPodcasters unite for reproductive rights'Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes' review: Come for the action, stay for the friendshipHow to use Spotify Karaoke, the mode that allows you to sing alongRoss from 'Friends' responds to his lookalike thiefHow to get your 'Stranger Things' Upside Down savior song on SpotifyPeriod tracking app Stardust becomes the first to offer e2e encryptionFBI: Scammers are interviewing for remote jobs using deepfake techHere are the most unforgettable Wikipedia vandalism trolls of all timeHow to get your 'Stranger Things' Upside Down savior song on SpotifyA list of companies reimbursing employees for abortion‘Stranger Things 4’ Creel House is a big ol' horror homageIbram Kendi's 'Goodnight Racism' is the dream parents should have for their childrenApple says it will unveil new products in upcoming monthsWatch this joyous pup jump into a gigantic leaf pileThis fan's attempt to film a video with Rami Malek didn't go quite as plannedMobile World Congress will stay in Barcelona until 2030The 10 types of trolls you'll spot in the wildThe 10 types of trolls you'll spot in the wild Twitter is *not having* Equifax's response to that massive hack Melissa McCarthy nabs another Emmy for iconic Sean Spicer role ‘The Florida Project’ is the best 2017 movie that you haven’t heard of iPhone 8 leaks prove it: Steve Jobs' classic Apple surprises are over Hurricane Irma is making oceans vanish before the flooding Tampa's hurricane luck may finally run out Sunday, in a disastrous way George Clooney's 'Suburbicon': Movie review Outlander Season 3: Caitriona Balfe & Sam Heughan talk love and loss Here's what Samsung's Galaxy Note 8 looks like on the inside Hollywood casting director says Asians are not expressive and people are not having it The year of Wonder Woman continues with the excellent 'Professor Marston' Facial recognition could soon be used to identify masked protesters Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 is absolutely stunning, and pretty damn cheap Why I'm in no rush to buy the iPhone X Scandal prompts FTC to crack down on social media influencers Len Wein, Wolverine co Drivers face a traffic nightmare as they flee before Hurricane Irma Apple's 10th anniversary iPhone has a cool name, and now we may know what it is 'You're the Worst' returns and is worth watching Apple iPhone 8 event: How to watch and what to expect
1.8198s , 10134.796875 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【Watch In the Morning of La Petite Mort Online】,Exquisite Information Network