Apple has announced it will withdraw its most secure cloud encryption service, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), from the United Kingdom following a government directive demanding secret access to user data.
The decision comes after Apple received a “technical capability notice” under the UK Investigatory Powers Act, commonly referred to by critics as the “Snooper’s Charter.” The notice compels technology companies to create a so-called “backdoor” that would allow law enforcement agencies to access encrypted data. Apple, known for its strong stance on user privacy, has refused to compromise its security protocols, leading to the withdrawal of ADP from the UK market.
“Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection in the United Kingdom to new users, and current UK users will eventually need to disable this security feature,” the company said in a statement on Friday.
The Investigatory Powers Act, which grants UK authorities far-reaching surveillance capabilities, has long faced criticism from privacy advocates for its extraterritorial reach. The law would allow UK law enforcement to access encrypted data from Apple users globally, including those based in the United States.
Apple’s withdrawal marks a significant setback for UK users who rely on ADP for securing iPhone backups and other sensitive cloud data. The feature, which provides end-to-end encryption, ensures that even Apple cannot access user data stored in iCloud.
Privacy experts and digital rights groups have condemned the UK government’s move, arguing that it weakens security protections for all users and sets a troubling precedent for digital privacy worldwide.
The UK government has yet to respond to Apple’s decision. Meanwhile, Apple reaffirmed its commitment to user privacy, stating it would continue to advocate for strong encryption and protect customer data from unauthorized access.
The standoff highlights the growing tension between tech giants and governments over privacy, surveillance, and the limits of digital security.
