Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
    Advertise with us Wednesday, June 25
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Platform TimesPlatform Times
    VIDEOS
    • Home
    • News
    • Metro
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Education
    • Health
    • Special Reports
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Interview
    Platform TimesPlatform Times
    • Home
    • News
    • Metro
    • Politics
    • Business
    • Education
    • Health
    • Special Reports
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Interview
    Home»Featured

    Apple Removes Data Protection Tool Following UK Govt’s Demand For Access

    Online EditorBy Online EditorFebruary 23, 2025 Featured No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Apple has announced it will remove its highest-level data security tool, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), for customers in the United Kingdom following a dispute with the government over access to user data.

    The move comes after the UK Home Office requested the right to access information stored under the end-to-end encryption service, which prevents even Apple from viewing user content such as photos and documents.

    The tech giant, which has long resisted government demands for encryption backdoors, initially declined to comment on the request but has now confirmed that UK users will no longer be able to activate ADP.

    “As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products, and we never will,” Apple stated, expressing its disappointment over the decision.

    From 1500 GMT on Friday, UK Apple users attempting to enable ADP have encountered an error message, and existing users will soon lose access. The exact number of British users who signed up for ADP since its launch in December 2022 remains unknown.

    Cyber-security experts have widely criticised the government’s move. Prof Alan Woodward of Surrey University described it as “a very disappointing development” and “an act of self-harm,” arguing that the UK had weakened online security and privacy.

    “It is naïve to think they could tell a US technology company what to do globally,” he said. Meanwhile, online privacy expert Caro Robson called Apple’s decision to withdraw ADP “unprecedented” and warned that it could set “a very, very worrying precedent” if other firms followed suit.

    The dispute stems from an order issued under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which compels companies to provide law enforcement with access to data upon request.

    Apple and the Home Office have refused to confirm or deny the existence of the notice, but reports from the BBC and The Washington Post suggest it played a central role in Apple’s decision.

    Privacy advocates have condemned the UK government’s demand as “an unprecedented attack” on personal data security. WhatsApp head Will Cathcart warned that “if the UK forces a global backdoor into Apple’s security, it will make everyone in every country less safe.”

    The controversy has also raised concerns in the US, with two senior politicians arguing that the UK’s actions pose a threat to American national security. Senator Ron Wyden warned that Apple’s withdrawal of encrypted backups in the UK “creates a dangerous precedent which authoritarian countries will surely follow.”

    He added that the move was unlikely to stop the UK from pressing its demands, which could “seriously threaten” American users’ privacy.

    Despite the backlash, Apple said it remained committed to user security. “Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before,” the company stated, adding that it hoped to restore the feature for UK users in the future.

    However, child protection advocates have urged Apple to strike a balance between security and safeguarding measures. Rani Govender of the NSPCC called on the company to “ensure they are balancing child and user safety with privacy” as it reviews its encryption policies. The UK charity has argued that fully encrypted services can make it harder to detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Yet, experts like Emily Taylor, co-founder of Global Signal Exchange, say the debate has been oversimplified. “Encryption is something that we use every day,” she noted. “Whether it’s communicating with our bank or using encrypted messaging apps, encryption is a form of privacy in an otherwise very insecure online world.”

    Pelican Valley'
    Cattle Bizness Network'
    The Rehla'
    Pelican Valley'

    Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

    We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE

    Pelican Valley
    Online Editor
    • Website

    Platform Times is a trailblazing news website that empowers grassroots communities across Africa by delivering the latest news through engaging multimedia content. By leveraging photos, text, and videos, the site inspires concerned citizens and activists worldwide to take action against critical issues, including corruption, poverty, environmental degradation, and democratic disregard.

    Keep Reading

    EXCLUSIVE : FG Breaks 15-Year Revenue Jinx In 2023 As States’ Earnings Soar To N13.16tn In 2024

    Taraba Assembly Moves To Impeach Ailing Deputy Governor, Backs Deputy Speaker As Successor

    Tinubu Urges APC Members To Close Ranks Ahead Of Lagos LG Polls

    Political Earthquake As Adamawa Govt Revokes Atiku’s Waziri Adamawa Title

    Turji’s Reign Of Terror: 44 Security Operatives Feared Dead In Deadly Zamfara Ambush

    Group Sues Lagos Govt Over Elections In 57 Councils, Demands Restriction To 20 Constitutionally Recognised LGAs

    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    The Rehla
    The Rehla
    The Rehla
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Cattle Bizness Network
    Cattle Bizness Network
    Cattle Bizness Network
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley
    Pelican Valley

    Platform Times is a trailblazing news website that empowers grassroots communities across Africa by delivering the latest news through engaging multimedia content. By leveraging photos, text, and videos, the site inspires concerned citizens and activists worldwide to take action against critical issues, including corruption, poverty, environmental degradation, and democratic disregard.

    We're social. Connect with us:

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer
    • Download Platform Times app

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest update news

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Disclaimer
    • Download Platform Times app
    © 2025, All Rights Reserved | Platform Times Newspaper | Powered By CyberWarrior

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.