London, UK – As of this afternoon, new Apple users in the UK can no longer enable Advanced Data Protection (APD) of their data, an end-to-end encrypted backup. In response to the government’s requests to secure a backdoor to Apple’s encrypted ecosystem, the company has decided to abandon this feature, and will still only provide data with law enforcement, if they have a warrant. 

In a statement, Mike Salem, UK Country Associate for the Consumer Choice Center (CCC), reacted to the news: 

“This unfortunate move is a direct result of the government’s own decision to force tech companies to hand over the keys to our data, giving them a blank cheque to access any of our information without due process.”

“Everyone in the UK should be extremely worried about what the government aims to access not just in the UK, but across the world. Over 40 public authorities, including police, intelligence agencies, HMRC, and even local councils can apply for such warrants with broad powers for communication and data surveillance, and with guaranteed approval.”

“The UK government has set a precedent, and cast a new reputation that underscores the erosion of personal liberties and privacy in a digital age where these values are needed more than ever.”

“This marks a very sad day for the basic principle of consumer privacy in the 21st century, depriving users of the tools that leave UK citizens exposed to governments, criminals and malicious hackers. The fact this has been done without debate, oversight or advance warning to UK Apple users is extremely concerning.”

The CCC calls on the government to once again outline its reasons for the necessity and proportionality of such measures as soon as Monday in Parliament, and to urge parliamentarians in opposition to hold the government to account so that consumers can once again elect to encrypt and secure their data.

The Consumer Choice Center is a non-profit organisation dedicated to defending the rights of consumers around the world. Our mission is to promote freedom of choice, healthy competition and evidence-based policies that benefit consumers. We work to ensure that consumers have access to a variety of quality products and services and can make informed decisions about their lifestyle and consumption.