Apple disables iCloud's Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK

Apple has stopped offering its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature to new users in the UK due to an ongoing dispute with the government over a backdoor request. ADP provides end-to-end encryption to iCloud data, making it inaccessible to anyone except the user. The UK government has issued a technical capability notice to Apple, demanding a backdoor to access encrypted user data globally. Apple has refused to comply, stating it will never build a backdoor or master key to its products or services. As a result, UK users can no longer access ADP, although those who already have it enabled will be given a grace period to disable it. Apple cannot automatically disable ADP due to the nature of end-to-end encryption. The company remains committed to offering high-level security to its users and hopes to reinstate ADP in the UK in the future. Other Apple services, such as iMessage and health data, still have end-to-end encryption by default. The UK government's request is part of its efforts to give security officials more powers to combat terrorism, child abuse, and other crimes. Apple's decision is seen as a blow to user privacy in the UK, where data breaches and threats to customer privacy are on the rise.