Apple yanks privacy-enhancing feature in UK after facing 'secret' government order

Core Viewpoint - Apple is removing its highest level of security for iCloud data, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), from iPhones in the UK, which allows end-to-end encryption for users [1][7] Group 1: Security Implications - The removal of ADP means that data stored on iCloud could potentially be accessible to both Apple and the UK government [2][3] - Apple stated that this move does not create a backdoor for accessing user data, emphasizing that it has never built a backdoor or master key for its products [3][7] Group 2: Government Influence - The decision to remove ADP follows a "secret order" from the UK government for Apple to create a backdoor to user data, as highlighted by US congressmen [2][4][7] - The letter from US lawmakers urged the Director of National Intelligence to halt the order, citing concerns over privacy rights [4] Group 3: Data Protection Features - ADP is not enabled by default on iPhones, and once activated, Apple cannot assist users in recovering their data [5] - Despite the removal of ADP, 14 data categories will still have automatic encryption, including iCloud Keychain, Health, and FaceTime [5] Group 4: Future Security Plans - Apple expressed its disappointment over the removal of protections and stated that boosting security with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever [6] - The company hopes to offer the highest level of security to UK users in the future [6]