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Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

bbc.com

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Re: Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

#31

I wonder, what are the alternatives now? Tresorit? Self-hosted Nextcloud?

It’s really not that complicated and none of those options can serve as an adequate backup for iOS devices including app data and meta data.

Just back up your phone to your computer via iTunes (Windows) or the built in facility on Macs

Re: Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

#32
post #15

As a citizen, I don’t understand what the UK government thinks they are getting here - other than the possibility of leaks of the nation’s most sensitive data. Also is it not possible to set up my Apple account outside of the UK while living here?

You need a valid payment method from that country and then cancel all current subscriptions and change to that new country/region.

Re: Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

#33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, the parent commenter missed the part where Apple cannot see the encrypted content when ADP is used.

But Apple could say, you have 45 days to remove it or we will delete it, then you have to resync your data.

No! That's not ... the comfy chair is it?

Re: Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

#34

I regret immensely not having turned ADP before... Now I'm feeling really angry at this whole thing.

Here's how:

On iPhone or iPad

    Open the Settings app.

    Tap your name, then tap iCloud.

    Scroll down, tap Advanced Data Protection, then tap Turn on Advanced Data Protection.

    Follow the onscreen instructions to review your recovery methods and enable Advanced Data Protection.
On Mac

    Choose Apple menu  > System Settings.

    Click your name, then click iCloud.

    Click Advanced Data Protection, then click Turn On.

    Follow the onscreen instructions to review your recovery methods and enable Advanced Data Protection.

Re: Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

#35
post #29

This can set a dangerous precedent. Now why wouldn’t any country demand the same, basically eliminating Advanced Data Protection everywhere, making user data easily accessible to Apple (and therefore governments)?

Wait, are you saying the U.S. might demand the same? In the current political environment?

Re: Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

#37
post #29

This can set a dangerous precedent. Now why wouldn’t any country demand the same, basically eliminating Advanced Data Protection everywhere, making user data easily accessible to Apple (and therefore governments)?

The choice was either eliminate it now (globally, via introduction of a backdoor) or eliminate it in the UK (but keep it globally).

So, perhaps this is a bit of a dangerous precedent, but it was the least-bad option.

Re: Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

#38
post #15

As a citizen, I don’t understand what the UK government thinks they are getting here - other than the possibility of leaks of the nation’s most sensitive data. Also is it not possible to set up my Apple account outside of the UK while living here?

> other than the possibility of leaks of the nation’s most sensitive data

Amusing when you consider the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC, a part of GCHQ), along with the Information Commissioners Office, both publish guidance recommending, and describing how to use, encryption to protect personal and sensitive data.

Our government is almost schizophrenic in its attitude to encryption.

Re: Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

#39
post #6
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

End-to-end-encryption-except-when-the-UK-government-is-interested doesn't have the same ring to it, liable to damage the brand ....

FWIW people always put too much trust in E2EE where they didn't control either end. This was a loooong time coming.

It’s not really end to end in that sense. They don’t get the key, they just store opaque data for you.

The only way apple could get your data is to push code to your device to steal the key.

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