Apple Removes Data Encryption Features In UK, Users Are Threatened With Losing Privacy

Apple will stop the advanced encryption feature for cloud data in the UK. (photo: dock. apple)

JAKARTA - Apple announced on Friday, February 21 that it would stop the advanced encryption feature for cloud data in the UK. This decision is a response to pressure from the UK government asking for wider access to user data.

The feature in question, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), previously provided end-to-end encryption protection for various types of data stored in iCloud. With the removal of this feature, users in the UK can no longer enable ADP, and those who are already using it will be forced to disable the feature in the near future.

This decision means that Apple now has the ability to access iCloud backup data for users in the UK under certain conditions, including channeling the information to the authorities if requested legally. Without this encryption feature, copies of iMessage messages and other personal data previously inaccessible to Apple can now be provided to the authorities.

"We are very disappointed that the protection provided by ADP will not be available to our customers in the UK, given the increasing number of data breaches and threats to user privacy," Apple said in a statement.

However, Apple ensures that the encrypted data before the launch of the ADP service at the end of 2022, such as iMessage passwords and messaging services and FaceTime, is still encrypted.

Weakening of User Security in the UK

Apple's move has drawn criticism from various parties who think that the decision weakens cybersecurity protection for users in the UK.

"Apple's decision to disable this feature in the UK may be the only reasonable response right now, but it makes users vulnerable to cyber threats and robs them of their right to privacy-preserving technology," said Andrew Crocker, Director of Supervision Litigation at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Professor Oli Leonardo, a cybersecurity expert from the University of Loughborough, also expressed concern. "Once the door (access) opens, it's only a matter of time before it is discovered and used by irresponsible parties. The removal of ADP is not just a symbolic compromise, but a real weakening of iCloud's security for users in the UK," he said.

British Government Pressure And Strict Regulations

Apple's decision is allegedly in response to the implementation of the Technical Capability Notice (TCN) by the British government. TCN is part of the 2016 Investigatory Powers Act that allows British authorities to force technology companies to assist in digital evidence collection.

Although the British government declined to comment on whether they actually issued an order to Apple, a report from The Washington Post said that this regulation was indeed used to request wider access to user data.

Pressure on tech companies to open access to user data is nothing new. In 2018, the FBI reportedly succeeded in pressuring Apple to cancel their original plans to fully encrypt iCloud reserves. However, Apple finally continued to launch ADP in 2022, before finally withdrawing it back in the UK in 2025.

Not only the UK, Australia, which has similar regulations, is said to be able to follow in this footsteps by issuing similar orders to Apple.

Domino Effects For The Technology Industry

Technologists fear that this decision will have a broad impact, not only on users in the UK but also on the technology industry as a whole.

Blowing Whittaker, President Signal 'encrypted messaging apps' called Britain's move an act "which does not understand the technical aspects" and could damage the country's tech ecosystem.

"You can't claim to support the technology sector while eroding the cybersecurity foundation which is the basis. Encryption is not luxury This is a basic human right that is important for people's freedom and is also the backbone of the global economy," he said.

A number of other platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and Signal have been implementing end-to-end encryption to protect user communications. However, with Apple's move, there are concerns that other governments might try to do the same with other services that offer strong encryption.

Apple's move to remove the iCloud data encryption feature in the UK has caused major controversy. On the one hand, the UK government is trying to tighten surveillance on the grounds of national security, but on the other hand, experts see this as a step back that jeopardizes user privacy.

With the increasing threat of hacking and data breaches, many parties question whether this step will really protect the public or make them more vulnerable to cyber attacks in the future.