The UK government has been accused of quietly scrubbing encryption advice from its website, just weeks after demanding backdoor access to encrypted data stored on Apple's cloud storage service, iCloud. The move has raised concerns over data privacy and security, and has sparked debate about the government's stance on encryption.

The change was first spotted by security expert Alec Muffet, who wrote in a blog post that the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is no longer recommending the use of encryption tools to protect sensitive information. The NCSC had previously published a document titled "Cybersecurity tips for barristers, solicitors & legal professionals" in October, which advised the use of encryption tools such as Apple's Advanced Data Protection (ADP). However, the URL hosting the document now redirects to a different page that makes no mention of encryption or ADP.

ADP allows users to turn on end-to-end encryption for their iCloud backups, effectively making it impossible for anyone, including Apple and government authorities, to view data stored on iCloud. The removal of this advice is particularly concerning given the UK government's recent demands for backdoor access to encrypted data. In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, the UK government secretly ordered Apple to build a backdoor that would give authorities access to users' encrypted iCloud data.

Following the order, Apple pulled its ADP feature in the UK, and confirmed to TechCrunch that the feature will no longer be made available to new users in the UK, and its current users would eventually need to disable it. Apple is currently challenging the UK's data access order in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT). The company has argued that the order is unlawful and would compromise the security of its users' data.

The UK Home Office and NCSC did not respond to TechCrunch's questions about the removal of the encryption advice, sparking further concerns about the government's transparency and commitment to data privacy. The move has also raised questions about the government's stance on encryption, and whether it is willing to compromise on security in order to gain access to sensitive information.

The implications of this move are far-reaching, and could have significant consequences for data privacy and security in the UK. If the government is successful in its demands for backdoor access to encrypted data, it could set a dangerous precedent for other countries and companies. It could also lead to a loss of trust in technology companies and the government, and undermine the security of the internet as a whole.

In conclusion, the UK government's removal of encryption advice from its website is a concerning development that raises questions about its commitment to data privacy and security. As the debate over encryption and backdoor access continues, it is essential that governments and technology companies prioritize the security and privacy of their users, and work towards finding solutions that balance national security concerns with individual rights and freedoms.