The UK will neither confirm nor deny that it’s killing encryption

The UK recently used its Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) to demand “backdoor” access to iCloud data, prompting Apple to disable its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for UK users. This move undermines Apple’s privacy reputation and could set a global precedent for weakening encryption. While Meta, Signal, and WhatsApp have hinted at opposition, none have taken a firm official stance. Critics warn that such “backdoors” expose users to hacking and unchecked government surveillance.

Strict secrecy orders under the IPA prevent companies from fully disclosing or discussing these demands, leaving users uncertain about whether—or how—their data might be accessed. As other countries consider similar laws, Apple’s choice may either embolden or discourage future attempts to compromise encryption, reshaping the balance between national security and personal data protection.

Because Apple operates worldwide, removing ADP in the UK raises questions about whether it might face similar pressures in other regions. This situation underscores the ongoing tension between government demands and a company’s commitment to user privacy—an issue likely to reemerge as more nations debate the future of encryption.