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.

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XLM 1D and RSI chart, February 6, 2025, | Source: Tradingview

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Alphabet’s Google is set to be charged by the European Commission for violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA) after its proposed changes to search result formats failed to address concerns raised by regulators and rival companies.

The charges, which focus on Google’s alleged self-preferencing of its own services over competitors in search results, come at a time of growing tensions between the European Union and the United States.

The move by the European Commission is interpreted by some as a warning to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has threatened to impose tariffs on European goods. The EU warned that it could retaliate by intensifying scrutiny on Silicon Valley giants, a threat that has added to fears of a transatlantic trade war.

The European Commission launched its investigation into Google in March 2024, scrutinizing whether the tech giant unfairly prioritizes its own services—such as Google Shopping, Google Flights, and Google Hotels—over those of rivals. The probe also examined whether Google imposes unfair restrictions on app developers, preventing them from informing users about cheaper offers available outside the Google Play Store.

The imminent charges stem from the search favoritism issue, which has long been a contentious point between Google and regulators. Despite making multiple adjustments to its search algorithm and design, the company’s proposals have been rejected by competitors and regulators, who argue that they still fail to comply with the Digital Markets Act.

In response to the growing regulatory pressure, Google has defended its position, arguing that further modifications to its search algorithms could negatively impact user experience by removing key features that help consumers find relevant information. In a December 2024 blog post, Oliver Bethell, Google’s Director of EMEA Competition, emphasized that the company was working to reach a “balanced solution” with EU regulators.

Despite these assurances, EU officials remain skeptical. Regulators are particularly unhappy with Google’s threat to revert to a simpler “blue links” format if it is unable to reach an agreement with competitors. This move has been perceived as an attempt by Google to pressure the EU to soften its stance on Big Tech regulation.

Google’s legal battle with the EU is part of a broader conflict between Silicon Valley giants and European regulators. Companies like Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon have repeatedly criticized the European Commission’s regulations, arguing that overregulation stifles innovation, hampers competition, and limits economic growth.

The Digital Markets Act, which came into force in 2023, imposes strict rules on tech companies with dominant market positions, prohibiting them from favoring their own products and services. Companies found in violation of the DMA face fines of up to 10% of their global annual revenue, a figure that could exceed $28 billion for Google, based on its 2023 revenue of over $280 billion.

Trade Tensions Between the EU and the U.S.

Beyond the legal implications, the case against Google could compound the existing standoff between Brussels and Washington. European officials have warned that they will not hesitate to intensify their crackdown on U.S. tech giants if Washington proceeds with tariff threats.

Against this backdrop, the European Commission’s actions are now seen as part of a broader strategy to assert its regulatory independence and send a message to the U.S. that it will not back down in the face of economic threats.

What’s Next for Google and Big Tech?

With formal charges expected in the coming months, Google faces one of its biggest regulatory challenges to date. If found guilty, the company could be forced to significantly alter its search engine operations, potentially leading to a major shift in the way Google presents search results in Europe.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is also pursuing separate investigations into Apple and Meta, both of which are more advanced. Decisions in these cases could further shape the operation of the Big Tech in Europe.