Apple has decided to remove a strong data security tool in the UK. This tool is called Advanced Data Protection (ADP). With ADP, only the account owner can see their photos and documents because it uses end-to-end encryption.
Recently, the UK government asked to see this user data. Apple did not want to create a way for others to access this data, saying it could make security weaker for everyone.
Now, Apple will not allow people in the UK to turn on ADP. This means some data on iCloud will not be fully encrypted. Data with standard encryption can be accessed by Apple and shared with law enforcement if they have a warrant.
Privacy experts are upset about this decision. They say it makes online security weaker. Some believe it is unusual for a company to stop a service because of government demands.
Apple said it is “gravely disappointed” that British customers can’t use ADP. They are committed to keeping user data safe and hope to offer ADP again in the future.
Vocabulary List:
- Protection /prəˈtɛkʃən/ (noun): The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm.
- Encryption /ɪnˈkrɪpʃən/ (noun): The process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access.
- Government /ˈɡʌvənmənt/ (noun): The group of people with the authority to govern a country or state.
- Warrant /ˈwɔːrənt/ (noun): A document issued by a legal or government authority to perform a specified act.
- Customers /ˈkʌstəmərz/ (noun): People who purchase goods or services from a business.
- Disappointed /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/ (adjective): Sad or displeased because someone or something has failed to fulfill one’s hopes or expectations.
