# Apple Eliminates Advanced Data Protection in the UK: Implications for Users
In a notable development, Apple has declared the discontinuation of its Advanced Data Protection feature within the United Kingdom. This action comes in response to a directive from the UK government, which asked Apple to establish a global backdoor for iCloud encryption. Instead of adhering to this contentious request, Apple chose to retract the Advanced Data Protection feature for users in the UK.
## Deciphering the Details
It’s important to emphasize that Apple is not abolishing end-to-end encryption altogether in the UK, despite some deceptive headlines. The Advanced Data Protection feature, which was launched in December 2022, offered users an optional method to bolster the security of their iCloud data. By enrolling in this feature, users could safeguard additional data categories using end-to-end encryption. However, the fundamental end-to-end encryption that Apple provides for specific data categories continues to be available.
### What is Advanced Data Protection?
Advanced Data Protection was intended to offer users increased authority over their data security by broadening the scope of end-to-end encryption to include more iCloud data categories. This feature enabled users to secure sensitive information beyond the basic categories that were already protected.
### Data Categories Affected by the Change
Following the removal of Advanced Data Protection in the UK, the subsequent iCloud data categories will be deprived of end-to-end encryption:
– iCloud Backup
– iCloud Drive
– Photos
– Notes
– Reminders
– Safari Bookmarks
– Siri Shortcuts
– Voice Memos
– Wallet Passes
– Freeform
These categories will revert to standard data protection, which, while still safe, does not provide the same degree of privacy as end-to-end encryption.
## What Stays Protected?
Despite the removal of Advanced Data Protection, Apple continues to offer end-to-end encryption for 15 different data categories by default. The following categories will remain safeguarded:
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
Importantly, critical information such as health data, passwords, and messages in iCloud continue to receive the strong protection of end-to-end encryption. Additionally, Apple’s communication services including iMessage and FaceTime remain entirely end-to-end encrypted.
## User Implications and Upcoming Actions
It’s worth noting that most Apple users in the UK may not have opted into the Advanced Data Protection feature initially, as it was always an opt-in setting. For those who activated it, Apple has stated that they will need to disable the feature in order to keep accessing their iCloud accounts. The company intends to provide more information about this process in the near future.
## Conclusion
Apple’s choice to eliminate Advanced Data Protection in the UK underscores the ongoing struggle between user privacy and governmental regulations. While the removal of this feature may elicit concerns regarding data security, it is crucial to acknowledge that substantial protections persist for numerous categories of iCloud data. As the digital privacy landscape evolves, users should remain aware of the tools and settings available to safeguard their information in a progressively complicated environment.
For further updates on this matter, keep up with tech news sources and Apple’s official communications.
