Apple Bows to UK Pressure, Disables Advanced Encryption on iCloud

Apple has decided to remove the Advanced Data Protection encryption feature from iCloud in Britain, complying with government demands. The decision impacts new and existing users, making their data more accessible to authorities. The move highlights ongoing tensions between tech firms and governments over encryption standards.

In an unprecedented move, Apple announced it will disable the Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for cloud data in Britain, a response to government demands facilitating access to user information. The halt affects new users immediately and prompts existing users to opt-out of heightened data security.

The decision signifies a shift in Apple's stance in the encryption debate, which has seen governments and tech companies at odds over secure communications access. Specifically, Apple's iCloud backups in Britain will lack end-to-end encryption, allowing potential access to user data by Apple and possibly law enforcement, should legal demands arise.

While Apple has consistently stated it would never create backdoors for encrypted data, the withdrawal of ADP is considered a significant concession to governmental pressure. Industry experts argue it compromises cloud security for UK users, yet device-stored data remains unaffected by this change.

(With inputs from agencies.)