Apple Disables iCloud End-to-End Encryption in the UK Amid Government Pressure, Raising Global Privacy and Business Concerns

Apple has confirmed that it can no longer offer its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the United Kingdom due to increasing pressure from the British government, marking a significant setback for user privacy.

The announcement, which came Friday, means that new UK users will no longer have access to the feature while existing users will soon be required to disable it to continue using iCloud.

The move follows a reported demand from the UK government for Apple to build a backdoor that would grant law enforcement agencies blanket access to users’ encrypted iCloud data. Privacy advocates have sounded the alarm, arguing that this decision not only weakens cybersecurity for millions of Britons but also sets a dangerous global precedent that could encourage authoritarian regimes to push for similar access.

Apple Under Pressure from the US as Well

Apple’s encryption battle isn’t just limited to the UK. The company is also facing growing pressure from the United States government, where law enforcement agencies—including the FBI and the Department of Justice—have long sought ways to access encrypted data to aid criminal investigations.

Reports indicate that Apple CEO Tim Cook is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss concerns over end-to-end encryption and its impact on criminal investigations. While Apple has previously resisted attempts to weaken its encryption features, privacy advocates fear that the company may be forced to make broader compromises, potentially affecting millions of users worldwide.

Apple: “Gravely Disappointed” by the UK Government’s Position

In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple expressed its frustration over the decision, particularly in light of the growing number of cyber threats and data breaches.

“We are gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our customers in the U.K. given the continuing rise of data breaches and other threats to customer privacy,” an Apple spokesperson said.

“Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before.”

Apple did not clarify exactly how or when users who already have ADP enabled will be required to disable it. However, the company promised to provide additional guidance soon, along with a timeframe for compliance.

While some highly sensitive types of data—such as health data, messages, and payment information—will remain encrypted by default, UK users will no longer be able to use end-to-end encryption for photos, notes, full backups, and other files stored on iCloud.

UK’s Hardline Stance on Encryption Sparks Outrage

Apple’s decision comes in response to increasing regulatory pressure from the UK Home Office, which has long sought greater surveillance powers over encrypted digital communications. The UK government has argued that end-to-end encryption prevents law enforcement from investigating crimes, particularly in cases involving terrorism and child exploitation.

However, privacy advocates and digital rights groups have fiercely opposed this stance, warning that weakening encryption opens the door to mass surveillance and hacking risks.

James Baker, an expert from the Open Rights Group, criticized the government’s decision, stating: “The Home Office’s actions have deprived millions of Britons from accessing a security feature. As a result, British citizens will be at higher risk of their personal data and family photos falling into the hands of criminals and predators.”

Cryptography expert Matthew Green from Johns Hopkins University urged users outside the UK to turn on ADP immediately, warning that broader restrictions on encryption could follow.

“If you are not in the U.K., you should turn on ADP now. The more people who use it, the harder it will be to shut off this way,” Green wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

A Warning Signal for Other Countries?

While Apple has previously resisted government requests to weaken its encryption—most notably in its 2016 legal battle with the FBI—this latest move raises concerns that other governments may now demand similar concessions.

Critics argue that if a democratic government like the UK can compel Apple to disable encryption, then authoritarian regimes in countries like China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia could make even more aggressive demands.

Could This Impact Apple’s Business?

One of Apple’s biggest selling points has been its commitment to privacy, which it has used as a key marketing strategy for its iPhones and other devices. The decision to disable end-to-end encryption could potentially hurt Apple’s sales, especially among consumers who prioritize security and data protection when choosing a smartphone.

Apple is known for strictly limiting government access to its products, but if the company begins making encryption concessions, it could damage its brand reputation and drive some users towards companies that continue to offer stronger encryption options.

What This Means for UK Apple Users

Effective Friday at 3 p.m. UK time, new Apple users in the UK were no longer able to opt into ADP. Those who had already enabled the feature will soon have to disable it, although Apple has not provided a specific deadline.

For UK users who are concerned about their data privacy, experts suggest:

1. Downloading encrypted backups locally instead of relying on iCloud.
2. Using alternative cloud storage services that still offer end-to-end encryption.
3. Switching to Apple’s default encrypted services, such as iMessage and FaceTime, which remain unaffected by this change.

The Future of Encryption At Risk

Apple’s forced retreat in the UK may only be the beginning of a broader global pushback against encryption. As governments and privacy advocates continue to clash, the fight over who controls digital security and personal data is set to escalate.

For now, Apple’s decision raises urgent questions about the future of encryption, as well as whether the company—and other tech giants—will be forced to make further concessions in other jurisdictions.

If Apple ultimately caves under US government pressure, it could mark a turning point in the global encryption debate, with serious consequences for digital privacy not just in the UK, but worldwide.