A recent development in the tech world has left users concerned about their online security. Apple is being compelled by the UK government to add a backdoor to its iCloud service, which would allow law enforcement and intelligence agencies to access encrypted content.
The move is part of a “technical capability notice” issued by the UK government, demanding that Apple adds a backdoor to iCloud for “lawful interception.” This means that UK authorities can tap into fully encrypted data stored on iCloud, potentially compromising user privacy.
Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (APD) feature, which provides end-to-end encryption for sensitive data on iPhones and iPads, is at the center of this controversy. APD was designed to prevent Apple from accessing encrypted messages or other data without a user’s consent.
However, with the UK government’s demand, Apple must now add a backdoor to iCloud, potentially bypassing the security measures in place. This has raised concerns among experts, who warn that such a move could have severe consequences for online security.
To protect themselves, users can take steps to enable APD on their iCloud accounts. This requires an Apple Account with 2FA enabled, as well as specific device and software requirements. Once these conditions are met, users can follow the instructions provided by Apple to set up Advanced Data Protection.
While this move may not guarantee complete security, enabling APD is a crucial step in demonstrating the importance of fully encrypted content for protecting user data. Users should be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to safeguard their information.
Note: The author’s expertise on security, surveillance, and privacy is mentioned in the original text, but has been omitted from this rewritten version to maintain focus on the topic at hand.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/02/08/apples-emergency-warning-do-this-to-encrypt-your-icloud-now