Apple removes advanced data protection tool in face of UK government request

<p>Apple says removal of tool after government asked for right to see data will make iCloud users more vulnerable</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/feb/21/uk-record-january-budget-surplus-tax-take-retail-sales-economy-business-live-news">Business live – latest updates</a></li></ul><p>Apple has taken the unprecedented step of removing its strongest data security tool from customers in the UK, after the government demanded “backdoor” access to user data<strong>.</strong></p><p>UK users will no longer have access to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/dec/08/privacy-changes-apple-uk-government-online-safety-bill">advanced data protection</a> (ADP) tool, which uses end-to-end encryption to allow only account holders to view items such as photos or documents they have stored online in the iCloud storage service.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/21/apple-removes-advanced-data-protection-tool-uk-government">Continue reading...</a>