UPDATE: As of 4th March, it has been reported that Apple has now issued a legal challenge to the UK government. However, this does not change the fact that Apple complied with the order and removed Advanced Data Protection for UK users before all legal routes had been explored.
As of February 24, 2025, Apple has officially removed its Advanced Data Protection tool for UK users after the government pushed for greater access to end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) user data under the Investigatory Powers Act. This decision raises concerns about Apple security in the UK, the government’s increasing pressure on tech companies to weaken encryption, and how much control users truly have over their private data.
The UK government’s notice left Apple with the following unappealing options:
- Remove E2EE
- Create a backdoor to give the government access
- Appeal the government’s order
- End its service in the UK
The company chose the first, arguing that cybercriminals would eventually find any existing backdoor (Apple hasn’t explained why it didn’t appeal).
For everyone using iOS devices in the UK, this change isn’t just a technical adjustment but a sign that their Apple iPhone security(new window) and overall digital privacy now face greater risk. We examine why end-to-end encryption matters, what this unprecedented move means for everyone in the UK, and how you can protect your security and privacy with Proton, wherever you are.
What is Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) tool?
Apple’s Advanced Data Protection tool is an optional security feature that provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud data, ensuring that only you have access to your data. When enabled, even Apple cannot access or recover your encrypted data if you forget your credentials.
What is end-to-end encryption and why does it matter?
End-to-end encryption encrypts your personal data on your device, ensuring no one can access it without your permission — no hackers, third parties, or even Apple can get to it.
Apple protects your data in different ways(new window):
- Data that is never end-to-end encrypted — This includes iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendars. While this data is encrypted in transit and at rest, Apple UK users can still access it — in case of a breach, your sensitive information may be at risk.
- Data end-to-end encrypted by default — This includes iCloud Keychain (passwords), Messages in iCloud (including iMessage), FaceTime, and Health. However, if you enable iCloud Backup for device data and Messages, that backup will not be end-to-end encrypted.
- Data protected by Advanced Data Protection — This includes iCloud Backup, iCloud Drive, Photos, and Notes. This setting is turned off by default.
Since Apple removed(new window) the ADP feature in the UK, its data protection has been weakened — no one in the UK can apply end-to-end encryption to all their iCloud backups, private photographs, or confidential notes. Instead, they must trust the company with this information since Apple can now access that data — and if there’s a breach, this data is now vulnerable.
Proton uses end-to-end encryption by design
End-to-end encryption is at the core of all Proton apps. But you don’t have to take our word for it since you can verify our security for yourself — all our apps are open source and regularly audited by independent security experts.
If the removal of Apple ADP has made you reconsider your privacy, consider switching to a security-driven ecosystem built for people, not profits. Here’s what you need to know:
Proton Drive
With Proton Drive, you can safely store and back up your private photos, confidential documents, and other sensitive files in an encrypted cloud storage app. Sharing files is easy and secure since every link you share is end-to-end encrypted, giving you full control with custom permissions, passwords, and expiration dates. You can also track who has downloaded your files and check the authenticity of any links shared with you using digital signatures.
Proton Mail
Proton Mail keeps your communications secure with end-to-end encryption for Proton users and password-protected emails for external contacts, such as iCloud, Gmail, or Outlook users. You can securely manage calendars and contacts and confidently write emails using Scribe, our privacy-first writing assistant.
Proton Pass
Proton Pass lets you manage, store, and share your passwords, notes, payment information, and personal information — all protected by end-to-end encryption. You can protect your digital identity with aliases, use passkeys for secure passwordless logins, and use a built-in 2FA authenticator for all accounts that support two-factor authentication.
To strengthen the security of your Proton Account, you can enable two-factor authentication (2FA), allow our Dark Web Monitoring feature to alert you if your credentials are exposed, and enable Proton Sentinel to actively block unauthorized access attempts.
And no matter how you work, our apps are designed for your lifestyle — fully compatible with web, macOS, iOS, and more.
Proton’s ironclad commitment to your privacy
Unlike the Apple Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, our end-to-end encryption is not a switch you can turn off — it’s the foundation of every Proton app. We have never and will never compromise our encryption. We didn’t do it under pressure from Russia, China or India, and we wouldn’t do it for the UK. If put in the same position, we would refuse to add a backdoor, but nor would we comply by opening up the front door either.
Proton is based in Switzerland, a country outside the UK’s jurisdiction, with some of the world’s strongest privacy laws, and whose government has never challenged end-to-end encryption.
Ready to take control of your digital life? Try Proton today for uncompromised privacy and security across all your devices.
