Apple has announced that it will disable its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the UK, following a government request for access to user data. This feature, which provides end-to-end encryption, ensures that only account holders can access their stored items.
From 3 pm on Friday (Feb. 21), UK users attempting to activate ADP received error messages, and existing access will soon be revoked. This means standard encryption will be the only option available, allowing Apple to access data and share it with law enforcement as needed.
Apple expressed disappointment over the decision, reiterating its commitment to user security and opposing any backdoors in its encryption. Experts, including cybersecurity specialist Prof. Alan Woodward, criticized the move as detrimental to online security, while privacy advocates warned it sets a concerning precedent.
The UK government's request falls under the Investigatory Powers Act, which compels companies to provide data to authorities. This situation has sparked backlash from both privacy campaigners and US politicians, highlighting the ongoing conflict between user privacy and government oversight in the tech sector.
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