Apple pulls major iPhone security feature for 19,000,000 UK users in unprecedented move
Apple is back in the news for all the wrong reasons, as it has pulled security features for some 19 million iPhone users in the United Kingdom.
The high-level Advanced Data Protection (ADP) security tool has been axed in the UK, with it typically protecting data that's stored in the iCloud with end-to-end encryption. The data can supposedly only be seen by the person who owns it, and only on which means the data can only on trusted devices. It comes as Apple has been accused of adding a 'backdoor' into its devices that would let intelligence agencies spy on us.
Although neither Apple nor the Home Office have confirmed whether this is the case, both the BBC and Wall Street Journal have claimed it exists.
Advert
While Apple refused to confirm whether the removal was to do with the supposed backdoor, the tech giant admitted it was "gravely disappointed" that the securtiy feature won't be offered in the UK.
A statement reads: "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 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."
As for how this will affect us, the 14 iCloud data categories like Keychain and FaceTime that are end-to-end encrypted by default won't be changed. Unfortunately, the nine categories only covered by Standard Data Protection will be affected. These include iCloud Backup, iCloud Drive, Photos, Notes, Reminders, Safari Bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, Voice Memos, Wallet Passes, and Freeform.
The Apple site explains: "Standard data protection is the default setting for your account.
"Your iCloud data is encrypted in transit and stored in an encrypted format at rest.
"The encryption keys from your trusted devices are secured in Apple data centres, so Apple can decrypt your data on your behalf whenever you need it, such as when you sign in on a new device, restore from a backup or recover your data after you've forgotten your password.
"As long as you can sign in to your Apple Account successfully, you can access your backups, photos, documents, notes and more."
Looking at the potential exploitation of our data, Dray Agha, senior manager of security operations at cybersecurity firm Huntress, warns: "Apple's decision to pull Advanced Data Protection in the UK is a direct response to increasing Government demands for access to encrypted user data.
"Weakening encryption not only makes UK users more vulnerable to cyber threats but also sets a dangerous precedent for global privacy.
"Governments argue this helps law enforcement, but history shows that any backdoor created for one party can eventually be exploited by bad actors.
Agha concludes that other companies could be pressured to weaken their security, meaning personal data worldwide could soon be at risk.