LONDON – Apple has announced that it is scrapping its most advanced security encryption feature for cloud data in Britain, marking an unprecedented response to government demands for access to user data.

The feature, known as Advanced Data Protection (ADP), extends end-to-end encryption across a wide range of cloud data. Apple stated that ADP is no longer available in Britain for new users, and existing users will eventually need to disable it. As a result, iCloud backups in the UK will no longer have the highest level of encryption, allowing Apple to access certain user data—such as copies of iMessages—if legally compelled.

Government Pressure and Security Concerns

Apple’s decision follows increasing pressure from the British government, which has been pushing for greater access to encrypted communications under the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016. According to reports, Britain issued Apple a Technical Capability Notice (TCN), requiring access to user data under this legislation. A spokesperson for the British Home Office declined to confirm whether such an order had been issued, stating, “We do not comment on operational matters.”

Apple has long maintained its stance against building so-called “backdoors” into encrypted services, citing risks that such vulnerabilities could be exploited by hackers. Professor Oli Buckley, a cybersecurity expert at Loughborough University, warned, “Once a door exists, it’s only a matter of time before it’s found and used maliciously. Removing ADP is not just a symbolic concession but a practical weakening of iCloud security for UK users.”

Industry and Public Reactions

Privacy advocates and technology experts have criticized Apple’s move, arguing that it leaves users more vulnerable to cyber threats and government surveillance. Andrew Crocker, surveillance litigation director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, stated, “Apple’s decision to disable the feature for UK users could well be the only reasonable response at this point, but it leaves those people at the mercy of bad actors and deprives them of a key privacy-preserving technology.”

While Apple cannot directly disable ADP for existing users due to the encryption keys being user-controlled, it will begin prompting users to turn off the feature themselves. The company expressed its disappointment, stating, “We are gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our customers in the UK given the continuing rise of data breaches and other threats to customer privacy.”

Global Implications

The decision raises concerns about potential ripple effects in other countries with similar surveillance laws. Joseph Lorenzo Hall, a distinguished technologist with the Internet Society, suggested that Australia might follow Britain’s lead. “The one thing we see with Commonwealth countries is that the second one does something, the others tend to follow. I would expect Australia to issue a similar Technical Capability Notice,” he said.

Despite these developments, Apple reaffirmed its commitment to encryption and data security. Historically, the company has resisted government efforts to weaken encryption, including in 2016 when US authorities tried to compel Apple to unlock the iPhone of a San Bernardino shooter.

The Future of Encryption and User Privacy

The encryption battle between governments and tech giants is far from over. Law enforcement agencies argue that encryption obstructs crime-fighting efforts, while privacy advocates warn that backdoors could be exploited for mass surveillance. In response to growing threats, encrypted services continue to expand across major platforms, including iMessage, WhatsApp, Zoom, and Signal.

With the UK’s move setting a precedent, the future of encryption policies worldwide remains uncertain. Users seeking maximum security may now need to explore alternative cloud storage options or maintain local backups for sensitive data.