Apple has halted the rollout of its end-to-end encrypted iCloud storage, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), to new users in the UK, citing government demands for backdoor access to encrypted data. The move comes after reports emerged that UK security services had requested Apple grant them access to worldwide users' encrypted backups.

The ADP feature, launched in late 2022, protects iCloud data with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the account owner can decrypt the data on their devices. Apple had initially offered ADP to users worldwide, but has now stopped providing the feature to new users in the UK.

According to Apple spokesperson Julien Trosdorf, the company is "gravely disappointed" that it can no longer offer ADP to UK users, given the increasing threat of data breaches and privacy concerns. Trosdorf emphasized that Apple remains committed to providing users with the highest level of security for their personal data, but is unable to do so in the UK due to government demands.

Existing UK users of ADP will eventually be required to disable the feature to continue using their iCloud accounts. However, Apple cannot automatically disable ADP on existing accounts due to the nature of end-to-end encryption. Users will be given a timeframe to disable the feature, although the exact timeline has not been disclosed.

This development raises significant concerns about government surveillance and the erosion of user privacy. Apple's stance on not building backdoors or master keys into its products and services has been a cornerstone of its security policy. The company's decision to pull ADP from the UK suggests that it is unwilling to compromise on this principle, even in the face of government pressure.

The implications of this move are far-reaching, with potential consequences for user data security and privacy worldwide. As governments increasingly seek to access encrypted data, tech companies like Apple are faced with the difficult task of balancing user privacy with legal obligations. This development serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle between privacy and security in the digital age.

In the wake of this news, users are left wondering about the future of data encryption and privacy. Will other tech companies follow Apple's lead, or will they succumb to government pressure? As the debate surrounding encryption and surveillance continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the battle for user privacy has never been more pressing.