UK: Apple Removes Advanced Data Protection
The Facts
Apple has removed Advanced Data Protection (ADP) from the UK following reports that the government had requested backdoor access to fully encrypted user iCloud data through the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA).
The opt-in ADP feature, introduced to the UK in December 2022, provides end-to-end encryption for additional categories of iCloud data, including photos, notes, and device backups, making the data inaccessible even to Apple.
It was reported earlier this month by The Washington Post and BBC News that the government served Apple with a technical capability notice to access this content under the IPA. Apple has previously publicly stated that it would pull its UK encryption services over creating a backdoor to users' private data.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The IPA is essential for maintaining national security in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With threats such as terrorism, child sexual abuse, and organized crime increasingly utilizing encryption to evade detection, law enforcement requires the ability to access critical data. These changes ensure that intelligence agencies can respond swiftly and effectively to these serious threats, all while preserving strong safeguards for privacy and adhering to independent oversight.
Establishment-critical narrative
The IPA is a blatant assault on privacy and civil liberties. By demanding access to encrypted data, the government has recklessly compromised the security of millions by forcing Apple to remove its service from the UK altogether. Weakening encryption isn’t just an attack on criminals — it endangers every citizen, leaving their private communications vulnerable to hackers and foreign spies. This draconian move is authoritarian, shortsighted, and risks isolating the UK from democratic norms.