Apple has removed the option to enable Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for iCloud users in the United Kingdom, due to a recent government order forcing companies like Apple to install backdoors in their encryption systems. This feature previously allowed users to fully protect their data stored in iCloud with end-to-end encryption.
As of now, current users of ADP in the UK will need to disable the security feature to keep using their iCloud account. New users will no longer have the option to enable it. Apple has expressed its disappointment at having to make this change and claims it is “gravely disappointed” that it cannot offer this protection to its customers.
The UK government’s regulations allow Apple to be subpoenaed for data from any iCloud account without restriction, and Apple is not allowed to publicly comment on the implications of this new law. This means that even if Apple wants to protect user data, it may have to comply with requests from government agencies or hackers.
Despite removing ADP, some iCloud features like password keychains and health data will remain end-to-end encrypted. However, Apple has not yet specified what will happen with these features in the future. The move is seen as a compromise between Apple’s desire to protect user data and the UK government’s demands for access to sensitive information.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/21/apple-removing-end-to-encryption-uk