Apple To UK – No Backdoors, No Exceptions

Who is, actually, defending your data and privacy?

Let’s set the scene:
The UK government, under the authority of the Investigatory Powers Act, wanted Apple to build a backdoor into iCloud’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature.
Apple, rather than comply, pulled the feature entirely from the UK.
Now, UK users who aren’t already enrolled in ADP are out of luck.
The most secure version of iCloud – where backups, photos, and notes are protected by end-to-end encryption – is gone.

The fight for data…

Governments have long tried to force tech companies to break encryption under the guise of national security.
The UK’s demand wasn’t just about gaining access to user data within its own borders – it was a global request.
A backdoor that could have, in theory, compromised every Apple user, everywhere.

That’s the bigger story here.

If Apple had complied, it would have set a dangerous precedent.
Other governments – China, the U.S., the EU – could have demanded the same access.
Instead, Apple held the line.

Apple’s position has always been clear: no backdoors. No master keys.

Google still offers encrypted Android backups in the UK.
Meta continues to support encrypted WhatsApp messages and backups.
For now, UK users will have to settle for Apple’s standard encryption, which still protects some data like iMessage, FaceTime, and passwords.

But this could be a sign of things to come.

The UK government may push back harder.
They could impose fines.
They could threaten broader action against Apple’s services in the region.

And if other countries follow suit?

Apple may face an even bigger reckoning.
For Apple, pulling ADP is a bold move, but it’s also a way to force the UK’s hand.
If users protest loudly enough, the government might have to rethink its demands.
For Apple, it’s a calculated bet.

For users, it’s another reminder: privacy isn’t just a feature. It’s a battle.

This is what Elias Makos and I discussed on CJAD 800 AM. Listen in right here.

Before you go… ThinkersOne is a new way for organizations to buy bite-sized and personalized thought leadership video content (live and recorded) from the best Thinkers in the world. If you’re looking to add excitement and big smarts to your meetings, corporate events, company off-sites, “lunch & learns” and beyond, check it out.