Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row | BBC News

Summary

Apple has taken the unprecedented step of removing its highest level of data security tool, Advanced Data Protection, from customers in the UK after the government demanded access to user data. This tool provided end-to-end encryption for photos and documents, with only the account holder able to access them. In response to the government's request for access, Apple stated they would not allow back doors to their encryption. As a result, UK customers will lose access to this security feature, weakening online privacy and sparking debate about the balance between security and government control.

Takeaways

• 😀 Apple is removing its highest-level data security tool, Advanced Data Protection, from UK customers.
• 😀 The Advanced Data Protection tool applied end-to-end encryption to photos and documents, ensuring that only the account holder had access.
• 😀 The UK government demanded access to user data, which led to Apple’s decision to remove the encryption feature.
• 😀 Apple has maintained that it will not create backdoors for its encryption, as it could expose users to hackers.
• 😀 Data stored on iCloud in the UK will no longer be encrypted under this change, making it accessible to Apple and law enforcement with a warrant.
• 😀 Apple expressed disappointment over the removal of the security feature, emphasizing its commitment to user privacy.
• 😀 Apple has stated that it has never built a backdoor or master key for its products and never will.
• 😀 The UK government has not yet responded to Apple’s decision to pull the tool, and there is no immediate comment from officials.
• 😀 Cybersecurity expert Professor Alan Woodward criticized the UK government's move, calling it 'self-harm' and damaging to online security.
• 😀 The UK government's actions could weaken privacy protections for users and have broader implications for Apple's business in the UK.
• 😀 Apple customers who valued the encryption feature will no longer be able to use it, potentially affecting Apple's market in the UK.

Q & A

What is 'Advanced Data Protection' and how does it work?

'Advanced Data Protection' is an opt-in service by Apple that applies end-to-end encryption on photos and documents. This means that only the account holder can access their data, and not even Apple has access to it.

Why has Apple decided to remove this security feature in the UK?

Apple is removing 'Advanced Data Protection' in the UK after the UK government demanded access to user data. Apple has resisted this request as it conflicts with their policy against creating 'back doors' to their encryption services.

What does this mean for UK users who were using 'Advanced Data Protection'?

UK users who were using 'Advanced Data Protection' will no longer be able to activate or maintain the service. For existing users, the feature will be pulled from their accounts.

How does this change affect the security of data stored in iCloud?

Data stored in iCloud in the UK will no longer be encrypted with end-to-end encryption. This means Apple could have access to the data and could share it with law enforcement if required by a legal warrant.

What was the UK government's request regarding user data?

The UK government requested the right to access user data stored on Apple's servers, specifically under a law that mandates companies to provide information to law enforcement agencies when needed.

What was Apple's stance on creating 'back doors' to their encryption services?

Apple has consistently stated that they will not build back doors or master keys for their encryption services. They believe doing so would compromise the security of their users, potentially allowing hackers to exploit these vulnerabilities.

Has the UK government responded to Apple's decision yet?

There has been no official response from the UK government regarding Apple's decision to remove 'Advanced Data Protection' in the UK.

What was the reaction from cybersecurity experts to this development?

Cybersecurity expert Professor Alan Woodward called the UK government's actions 'self-harm,' claiming that the government’s demand would weaken online security and user privacy in the UK.

What might be the long-term impact on Apple’s business in the UK?

The long-term impact on Apple’s business in the UK is uncertain. Some customers who valued the encryption feature may be discouraged from using Apple products if the feature is no longer available.

Why does Apple consider the removal of this feature a significant step?

Apple considers the removal of 'Advanced Data Protection' a significant step because it compromises their core value of user privacy and security, which could affect their reputation and trust among customers.