Apple Removes Advanced Data Protection in UK amid UK Government Encryption Dispute

February 21, 2025

By Evans Momodu
1 minute digest
Published 17:02 UK(GMT), 21 Feb, 2025

With regards to end-to-end encryption and data privacy laws in the UK, Apple has announced it will no longer offer its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) tool to UK customers following a dispute with the UK government over data privacy.

ADP provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only users can access their stored photos and documents—even Apple itself cannot see the data.

However, earlier this month, the UK government requested a change to the data privacy laws in the UK to gain access to encrypted user data, prompting Apple to withdraw the feature.

“We are gravely disappointed that ADP will not be available to our UK customers, given the increasing risks of data breaches and threats to privacy,” Apple said in a statement.

The UK government has long sought to gain access to encrypted communications, citing the need to protect children, identify criminals, and ensure public safety. However, Apple maintains its commitment to user security and hopes to reintroduce ADP in the UK in the future.
Source: Sky news