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Since the last developments surrounding Apple’s encryption policies, a major shift has occurred. Around the 21st of February 2025, Apple removed their advanced data protection (ADP) after the UK government ordered Apple to give security access to its data.
Immediate Impact of Apple’s Decision:
After the change at 3 pm, new users had no access to the ADP tool, and existing users would need to disable the security feature later.
Apple issued a statement expressing their stance: “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. Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before. Apple stays committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their data and is hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the UK. 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.”
Why did the UK government request access to data from Apple?
UK’s ministers claim the ADP interferes and prevents law enforcement agencies from catching criminals.
However, Apple has historically resisted such measures. But, Apple also fought against other governments to gain backdoor access to encrypted data.
Why?
Apple believes giving access to governments would dilute the security and make it easier for the bad actors and hostile foreign nations to gain access to citizens’ data and exploit it. Customers worldwide would face greater risks of data breaches, identity theft, and unauthorised surveillance.
Expert’s opinion on the UK’s decision
A cyber-security expert at Surrey University said this was an “act of self-harm” by the government. “All the UK government has done is to weaken online security and privacy for UK-based users”.
By undermining encryption, sensitive data becomes easier for hackers and foreign adversaries to access, potentially leading to an increase in cybercrime.
Additionally, this dispute may influence other tech giants such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft, all of whom provide encrypted services. If these companies are forced to weaken their encryption standards in the UK, it may lead to a domino effect where other nations introduce similar demands.
UK laws like the Investigatory Powers Act conflict with Apple’s global privacy stance, which could lead to potential legal challenges.
EXTRA commercial awareness:
Strengths:
- Strong brand reputation for emphasising security and privacy.
- Advanced encryption technology setting industry standards.
- Loyal customer base that values privacy.
Weaknesses:
- Loss of ADP in the UK may damage user trust as there could be concern over breach of data and customer privacy.
- Compliance challenges with varying global regulations.
- Potential revenue loss from UK consumers seeking alternatives.
Opportunities:
- Advocacy for stronger global encryption standards.
- Apple stated it may potentially return to the UK market if regulations change.
Threats:
- Other governments may follow the UK’s lead in weakening encryption – creating a domino effect.
- Cybersecurity crimes increase due to reduced encryption.
Conclusion
Apple’s withdrawal of Advanced Data Protection from the UK marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle between governments and tech companies over user privacy. Meanwhile, Apple’s decision signals that it is willing to take a stand against governmental overreach, even at the cost of losing access to an entire national market.
Sources used:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgj54eq4vejo
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/21/apple-removes-advanced-data-protection-tool-uk-government
Article written by Amanpreet Singh, Birmingham City University LLB graduate and current LLM student at the University of Birmingham.
