Apple Halts End-to-End Encryption for UK Users Amid Government Data Access Concerns

Apple, on Friday has announced that it will no longer offer full end-to-end encryption for iPhone users in the United Kingdom, citing government requests for global data access.

The decision means that new UK users will not have access to Advanced Data Protection (ADP), while existing users will eventually need to disable this security feature.

ADP ensures that only account holders can access their cloud-stored content, such as photos and documents, through end-to-end encryption. However, reports from The Washington Post suggest that the UK government had pressured Apple to introduce a “backdoor” that would allow authorities to view user data worldwide.

For years, tech companies have championed encryption as a fundamental privacy safeguard, resisting government requests for access. Apple reaffirmed its stance, stating, “As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will.”

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The company expressed its deep disappointment over the UK’s decision, emphasizing the growing threat of data breaches and cyber threats.

“We are 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,” Apple added.

The UK’s interior ministry declined to comment on the matter, stating, “We do not comment on operational matters.” Authorities worldwide have long argued that encryption enables criminals, terrorists, and child exploiters to evade detection, even when law enforcement has a legal warrant for an investigation.

However, privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts stress that encryption is crucial for protecting users from unauthorized surveillance and cyberattacks.

Despite the setback, Apple reaffirmed its commitment to user privacy and security, stating, “Apple remains committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their personal data and are hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the United Kingdom.”

As the debate between privacy and security continues, Apple’s decision highlights the complex balance between user data protection and government surveillance demands.