Apple ends cloud data encryption in UK amid 'backdoor' controversy
What's the story
Apple has announced the discontinuation of its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the United Kingdom.
The move comes after the UK government directed the company to create a "backdoor" for user data access.
The ADP feature, which offers end-to-end encryption for a range of user data types, will no longer be available to new users in the UK.
Encryption impact
ADP's role in user data security
The ADP feature provides an extra layer of security for iCloud data storage, device backups, web bookmarks, voice memos, notes, photos, reminders and text message backups.
In a statement, Apple expressed disappointment over ADP protections not being available in the UK.
The tech giant stressed that "ADP protects iCloud data with end-to-end encryption," meaning only the user can decrypt their own data on trusted devices.
Security stance
Apple's response to UK government's backdoor order
This comes after reports that the UK government had ordered Apple to create a backdoor into customer data worldwide.
Without ADP, it could be easier for the UK government to request user data.
Responding to a bill from the UK Parliament seeking access to user data, Apple had previously criticized it as an "unprecedented overreach by the government."
Apple warned that "the UK could attempt to secretly veto new user protections globally preventing us from ever offering them to customers."
User transition
Apple's guidance for existing ADP users
Existing customers using ADP will have to manually disable it during an unspecified grace period to keep their iCloud accounts.
Apple has said it can't disable this feature automatically for users and will issue further guidance in due course.
Despite removing its most secure encryption tech in the UK, Apple reiterated its commitment to user data security saying, "enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before."
Firm position
Apple's stance on backdoor access to products
In response to the UK government's directive, Apple has stood firm against creating backdoors or master keys for its products or services.
The company said, "As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will."
The discontinuation of ADP in the UK doesn't impact end-to-end encryption offered by default for several other Apple features. These include iMessage, FaceTime, password management and health data.