Tech giant Apple will no longer provide its most advanced end-to-end encryption feature for cloud data storage to UK customers, following a dispute with the government. Its a move which would in theory allow the UK government to access UK Apple mobile phone users messages, emails, data and photos.
Security officials argue that encryption hinders criminal investigations, while tech firms defend it as essential to user privacy.
The Advanced Data Protection (ADP) tool is an optional feature that ensures only account holders can access their stored photos, documents, and other data—preventing even Apple from viewing the content. However, earlier this month, the UK government reportedly requested access to this data. In response, Apple has withdrawn the feature from use in the UK.
Apple is switching it off as an option for those not already using it, and will introduce a process to move existing users away from it.
The loss of end-to-end encryption for iCloud backup means Apple would be able in some instances to read user data such as iMessages or access photos, files, emails and data that would otherwise be protected and pass it on to authorities if legally compelled….such as if it finds information linking to serious crimesor UK illegal activities.
