Apple forced to kill popular security feature in the UK — here’s what’s happening

Apple has announced that it will disable its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for new users in the United Kingdom, and existing users will soon be required to turn it off. This decision follows the UK government’s demand that Apple create a backdoor to access user data—a request the company refused.

Why is Apple Disabling Advanced Data Protection?

ADP provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud data, meaning only the user can decrypt their files, and not even Apple can access them. However, UK regulations would require Apple to make user data accessible to the government when requested. Instead of compromising its security standards, Apple chose to remove ADP from the UK entirely.

Apple stated:

“Apple remains committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their personal data and is hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the United Kingdom.”

What Does This Mean for iCloud Users?

• New UK users will no longer have access to Advanced Data Protection.
• Existing users will need to disable ADP to continue using iCloud.
• Apple cannot automatically turn off ADP but will notify users and provide guidance on how to disable it.

What’s Changing?

While 14 iCloud data categories will still be end-to-end encrypted, nine others—previously protected under ADP—will now revert to Standard Data Protection (SDP). These include:

• Reminders
• Safari Bookmarks
• Siri Shortcuts
• Voice Memos
• Wallet Passes
• Freeform

With SDP, Apple manages encryption keys, making data more accessible for account recovery—but also potentially accessible to governments.

Apple’s Stance on User Privacy

Apple has long maintained that it will not build backdoors into its products, arguing that doing so would weaken overall security. This latest decision reaffirms its commitment to privacy, even if it means removing a feature entirely in certain regions.

For users concerned about data privacy, Apple still offers some level of encryption, but the removal of Advanced Data Protection in the UK represents a significant loss for those who prioritize maximum security.