Apple removes Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for UK users
Apple has removed its highest level data security tool from customers in the UK, after the government demanded access to user data.
Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for external storage ensures that only account holders can access their stored photos and documents through end-to-end encryption. Earlier this month, the UK government requested the ability to access this data, which even Apple itself cannot currently view.
This means that no UK customer data stored on Apple iCloud will be encrypted, making it all accessible by Apple and shareable with law enforcement, if they have a warrant to access it. The initial request was issued by the UK Home Office under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which requires companies to share information with law enforcement agencies.
The Home Office said: “We do not comment on operational matters, including for example confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.”
From 1500GMT on Friday 21st February 2025, any Apple user in the UK attempting to turn it on has been met with an error message. It is believed that existing users access will be disabled at a later date.
Kerry is a Content Creator at www.systemtek.co.uk she has spent many years working in IT support, her main interests are computing, networking and AI.