Apple has announced the removal of its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the UK following the UK government’s demand for a global backdoor to iCloud encryption. Rather than compromising its encryption standards, Apple has opted to withdraw this optional feature from the UK market.
Don’t Panic: Your Apple Device Is Still Secure
Despite the headlines, there’s no need to abandon your Apple device or rush to alternative platforms. Apple’s existing security measures, including end-to-end encryption for key data categories, remain intact. By making a few adjustments, you can continue to protect your data effectively.
The Key Distinction: ADP vs. End-to-End Encryption
Contrary to some reports, Apple is not removing end-to-end encryption from iCloud in the UK. While Advanced Data Protection has been withdrawn, Apple’s default end-to-end encryption for critical iCloud data categories remains unaffected.
By default, iCloud provides end-to-end encryption for 15 specific data categories. The ADP feature, introduced in December 2022, extended this encryption to additional categories. Its removal in the UK reverts those additional categories to standard data protection but leaves the default protections unchanged.
Data Categories Affected by the Removal of ADP
The following iCloud data categories will no longer have end-to-end encryption in the UK under ADP:
• iCloud Backup
• iCloud Drive
• Photos
• Notes
• Reminders
• Safari Bookmarks
• Siri Shortcuts
• Voice Memos
• Wallet Passes
• Freeform
These categories are now protected by standard data protection, as they were before December 2022.
What Is Standard Data Protection?
Under standard data protection, Apple encrypts your iCloud data during transit and stores it in an encrypted format at rest. Encryption keys are stored in Apple data centers, allowing the company to decrypt data when required for services like account recovery or new device setup.
Data Still Protected by End-to-End Encryption in the UK
The removal of ADP does not affect the end-to-end encryption of 15 critical data categories, including:
1. Passwords and Keychain
2. Health data
3. Journal data
4. Home data
5. Messages in iCloud
6. Payment information
7. Apple Card transactions
8. Maps
9. QuickType Keyboard learned vocabulary
10. Safari
11. Screen Time
12. Siri information
13. Wi-Fi passwords
14. W1 and H1 Bluetooth keys
15. Memoji
Additionally, Apple’s communication services, such as iMessage and FaceTime, remain fully end-to-end encrypted.
Limited Adoption of ADP in the UK
It’s worth noting that ADP was an optional feature, and many UK users likely never enabled it. For those who did, Apple will guide users through the process of disabling the feature to maintain access to their iCloud accounts.
How to Create Encrypted Local Backups, and stay off the iCloud from your Mac
If you’re seeking an alternative secure backup solution, consider creating encrypted local backups. Here’s how:
1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable.
2. Open Finder and select your device from the sidebar.
3. Under the General tab, locate the Backups section.
4. Choose Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac.
5. Select Encrypt local backup and create a strong password.
6. Click Back Up Now to complete the process.
This ensures your data is securely stored and encrypted locally without relying on ADP.
If you’re unsure or need some help, we’ve offer appointments and walk-ins and can get all your photos and data backed up to an external device or your own laptop, and remove you from the iCloud.
Final Thoughts
While the removal of ADP in the UK reduces the scope of iCloud’s end-to-end encryption, Apple’s core encryption protections remain robust. Critical data categories, including Health data, passwords, and Messages in iCloud, are still fully secure. For enhanced protection, consider utilising encrypted local backups and following best practices for data security.