Encryption: Not the UK Way but Apple Is A-Okay
March 6, 2025
The UK is on a mission. It seems to be making progress. The BBC Reports, "Apple Pulls Data Protection Tool After UK Government Security Row." Technology editor Zoe Kleinman explains:
"Apple is taking the unprecedented step of removing its highest level data security tool from customers in the UK, after the government demanded access to user data. Advanced Data Protection (ADP) means only account holders can view items such as photos or documents they have stored online through a process known as end-to-end encryption. But earlier this month the UK government asked for the right to see the data, which currently not even Apple can access. Apple did not comment at the time but has consistently opposed creating a ‘backdoor’ in its encryption service, arguing that if it did so, it would only be a matter of time before bad actors also found a way in. Now the tech giant has decided it will no longer be possible to activate ADP in the UK. It means eventually not all UK customer data stored on iCloud – Apple’s cloud storage service – will be fully encrypted."
The UK’s security agency, the Home Office, refused to comment on the matter. Apple states it was "gravely disappointed" with this outcome. It emphasizes its longstanding refusal to build any kind of back door or master key. It is the principle of the thing. Instead, it is now removing the locks on the main entrance. Much better.
As of the publication of Kleinman’s article, new iCloud users who tried to opt into ADP received an error message. Apparently, protection for existing users will be stripped at a later date. Some worry Apple’s withdrawal of ADP from the UK sets a bad precedent in the face of similar demands in other countries. Of course, so would caving in to them. The real culprit here, some say, is the UK government that put its citizens’ privacy at risk. Will other governments follow its lead? Will tech firms develop some best practices in the face of such demands? We wonder what their priorities will be.
Cynthia Murrell, March 6, 2025
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