Tech giant Apple is raising eyebrows after confirming yesterday how UK users won’t be able to use its advanced data protection feature anymore.
The news applies to both new and existing users in the United Kingdom. As per the Cupertino firm, the security feature for encrypting iCloud data can no longer be offered and will be disabled soon.
The company says it's disappointed with the worrisome news, considering the growing number of data breaches and more threats linked to client privacy. In case you’re wondering, the decision comes after the British government shared that it would design a backdoor that gave UK authorities the chance to access user data stored inside the firm’s cloud servers. This is even though it was E2E.
The request was looked upon as unprecedented in modern times and really raised concerns with privacy advocates. They argued how the pattern would set the wrong tone for other nations to follow. As per the tech giant, the feature to switch on E2E for all iCloud backups via Advanced Data Protection is optional. But when active, it makes it impossible for anyone to view data present on iCloud by users opting in.
Meanwhile, one spokesperson for the British Home Office mentioned that it was not going to respond to comments. As far as Apple is concerned, they didn’t reveal more details about disabling this feature is going to work for those who switched it on before the news broke.
Many people, including those in opposition to the government’s decision, claim that the Home Office is depriving millions from getting access to this type of security offering. Therefore, many UK citizens are now at a higher risk than before of getting their personal data leaked into the hands of predators as well as criminals.
The iPhone maker did share how certain categories of data including health and messages stored through iCloud as well as sensitive payment details won’t be impacted by the change. They will remain encrypted for all. However, those in the UK cannot opt into E2E for various other data like pictures, notes, and more.
Those with ADP enabled claim they will provide customers with more information soon when it’s available, including the timeframe to disable it to ensure they’re using iCloud. Anyone located outside the UK will not be impacted through this change, Apple shared.
Plenty of media outlets including those in the UK like the BBC News shared that the feature was stopped for all new users starting at 3pm yesterday.
Image: DIW-AIgen
Read next: EU Gears Up To Charge Google For Violating Digital Markets Act
The news applies to both new and existing users in the United Kingdom. As per the Cupertino firm, the security feature for encrypting iCloud data can no longer be offered and will be disabled soon.
The company says it's disappointed with the worrisome news, considering the growing number of data breaches and more threats linked to client privacy. In case you’re wondering, the decision comes after the British government shared that it would design a backdoor that gave UK authorities the chance to access user data stored inside the firm’s cloud servers. This is even though it was E2E.
The request was looked upon as unprecedented in modern times and really raised concerns with privacy advocates. They argued how the pattern would set the wrong tone for other nations to follow. As per the tech giant, the feature to switch on E2E for all iCloud backups via Advanced Data Protection is optional. But when active, it makes it impossible for anyone to view data present on iCloud by users opting in.
Meanwhile, one spokesperson for the British Home Office mentioned that it was not going to respond to comments. As far as Apple is concerned, they didn’t reveal more details about disabling this feature is going to work for those who switched it on before the news broke.
Many people, including those in opposition to the government’s decision, claim that the Home Office is depriving millions from getting access to this type of security offering. Therefore, many UK citizens are now at a higher risk than before of getting their personal data leaked into the hands of predators as well as criminals.
The iPhone maker did share how certain categories of data including health and messages stored through iCloud as well as sensitive payment details won’t be impacted by the change. They will remain encrypted for all. However, those in the UK cannot opt into E2E for various other data like pictures, notes, and more.
Those with ADP enabled claim they will provide customers with more information soon when it’s available, including the timeframe to disable it to ensure they’re using iCloud. Anyone located outside the UK will not be impacted through this change, Apple shared.
Plenty of media outlets including those in the UK like the BBC News shared that the feature was stopped for all new users starting at 3pm yesterday.
Image: DIW-AIgen
Read next: EU Gears Up To Charge Google For Violating Digital Markets Act
