Apple Halts End-to-End Cloud Encryption for UK Users
Apple has announced that it will no longer offer its most advanced end-to-end security encryption feature for cloud data in the UK. This unprecedented move follows reports suggesting that the UK government demanded a way to access user data.
Impact of Encryption Changes
Advanced Data Protection, an optional feature extending end-to-end encryption to a wide range of user data, is no longer available for new users in the UK. Current UK users will eventually need to disable this security feature. Governments and tech companies have long clashed over encryption. Security officials argue that it hampers criminal investigations, while tech firms maintain it is essential for user privacy.
The loss of end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups implies that Apple could, in certain instances, read user data such as iMessages and pass it on to authorities if legally required. In contrast, with end-to-end encryption, Apple cannot access the data under any circumstances. Data encrypted before Apple offered the protection service in December 2022, such as health data, passwords, and iMessage and FaceTime messaging services, will remain encrypted.
Law Enforcement Targeting Encrypted Services
Law enforcement agencies have frequently targeted iCloud backups, which were not end-to-end encrypted before Apple introduced Advanced Data Protection. These backups, containing photos and other sensitive information, can no longer be end-to-end encrypted for UK users. Since Apple does not hold the encryption keys of existing users of its data protection service in the UK, it will not be able to turn off the features for those users. Instead, Apple will offer users the option to disable it themselves.
A spokesperson for Britain’s Home Office declined to comment on whether an order had been issued, stating, “We do not comment on operational matters, including confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.” Apple expressed its disappointment, saying it was “gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our customers in the UK given the continuing rise of data breaches and other threats to customer privacy.”
Resistance to Government Demands
Apple shares remained largely unchanged on Friday morning. The company has long resisted government efforts to weaken encryption, including in 2016 when US authorities attempted to compel it to unlock the iPhone of a San Bernardino shooter. On Friday, Apple reiterated its stance, stating that it would “never build a backdoor into its technology.”
Other tech companies have also faced challenges with global encryption laws. Messaging platform Signal has previously threatened to leave the UK over similar concerns. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms has faced opposition over its plans to expand encryption on WhatsApp.
