Apple Withdraws Encrypted Cloud Storage Service in the UK
Apple has made the decision to discontinue offering its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service to UK users, following a government order to provide back-door access to encrypted data. This move means that UK users will no longer have the option to fully encrypt their personal data on Apple’s iCloud service.
The company stated that they have never built a backdoor or master key to any of their products or services and they never will. This decision comes as a response to demands by the Home Office to require Apple to provide a back door for law enforcement and government agencies to access encrypted data stored by its customers worldwide.
Apple emphasized the importance of securing cloud storage through encryption, especially in light of the increasing number of security breaches. The company expressed disappointment that the protections provided by ADP will no longer be available to customers in the UK.
For users in the UK who have already enabled ADP, Apple will provide guidance on how to disable the feature themselves to continue using their iCloud account. The withdrawal of ADP from the UK will not affect certain iCloud data categories that are already end-to-end encrypted by default.
Matthew Hodgson, CEO of Element, a secure communications platform, commented on Apple’s decision, stating that offering a secure service with a backdoor compromises its security. He highlighted the risks associated with creating backdoors in encrypted systems, citing recent cyber attacks exploiting such vulnerabilities.
Earlier this month, a letter signed by over 100 cyber security experts, companies, and civil society groups urged the UK government to drop demands for Apple to create a backdoor into its encrypted iCloud service. The experts warned that this move jeopardizes security and privacy, undermines the tech sector, and sets a dangerous precedent for global cyber security.
