Two-tier encryption in the UK(macanorak.com)
502 points by ReturnoftheHack 19 days ago | 461 comments
tl;dr: After the UK government issued a secret Technical Capability Notice demanding access to iCloud data, Apple withdrew Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for new UK users in February 2025 rather than build a backdoor. However, because ADP can only be toggled by a user's trusted devices, existing users who had already enabled it remain protected, creating a two-tier system where some UK Apple customers have strong end-to-end encryption and others cannot opt in. Apple is now fighting at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal to lift the gag order preventing public discussion of the notice.
HN Discussion:
  • ~Apple has lost its backbone and is capitulating to government pressure compared to years past
  • ↑Apple should refuse to comply and openly resist or exit the UK market entirely
  • ↑The UK government's demand effectively outlaws E2EE and is an overreach worth exposing
  • •Clarifying technical details about how ADP withdrawal actually affects UK users' encryption
  • ↑Law enforcement priorities are misplaced by targeting encryption instead of actual financial crime