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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

#81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The article reports that it will be disabled for existing users at a later date.

I'm guessing this is because they haven't figured out a way to do it yet. I'm not very well versed in how these systems work but surely this type of encryption can't be disabled by Apple remotely (or they would have that backdoor they don't want)?

They will either just automatically turn it off in a future device software update, or they'll just post a deadline after which they will delete user data and prevent sync if it isn't disabled by the user.

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

#82
post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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 on…

Unfortunately, the title says > Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

Only in the UK, everyone else should still do it. Not on by default

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

#83
post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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 on…

Unfortunately, the title says > Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

Can confirm.

"Apple can no longer deliver ADP in the United Kingdom to new users" with the enable button disabled.

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

#84
post #74
post #67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

See my other reply. They could also sell the entire business to Google. Why bother with listing options even worse for everyone involved?

I mean they could have tried not complying, and fighting a lawsuit at the ECHR (right of every person to a private life). Takes money and time but more attractive than the other options.

It's less attractive, riskier, and more costly of a decision for Apple. Apple is a corporation, not an altruist.

This play by Apple applies pressure to the UK government indirectly via its citizens, for free, rather than taking the risk and expenses of a lawsuit.

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

#86
post #51
post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

When UK demanded a backdoor to e2ee in iMessage, Apple told them they’d rather get out of UK. Why not do the same here? You’re posing a false dichotomy.

What would that change, effectively, other than have Apple lose money? The UK would still lose ADP (and then also just Apple products in general). A precedent would still be set. Your posing a strictly worse third option. Sure, it's an option, I guess. Apple could also just close down globally, as a fourth option. Or sell off to Google as a fifth. But I was trying to present the least-bad option (turn off ADP), rathe…

I totally get your point, but calling the UK's bluff could work. Are they really willing to ban Apple products in the UK? Maybe, maybe not

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

#87
post #85

I'm confused. I thought iCloud was end-to-end encrypted anyway, and I've never heard of ADP before. Is ADP encryption at rest , whereas normal iCloud storage is only encrypted from the device to the server?

The only difference is Apple doesn't hold the encryption keys when you use ADP.

In both cases it's encrypted in transit and at rest.

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

#89

Could moves like this by other repressive regimes finally open the door to consumer-owned, consumer-controlled, decentralized cloud storage systems that are fully encrypted and inaccessible by any agency or individual except by the owner? Would be a beautiful thing to see. Not sure how storage would work though since you cannot take payment (that would make it centralized), and storage would have to be distributed, b…

> inaccessible by any agency or individual except by the owner?

I believe the UK already has "you must unlock anything we ask" as part of the RIP/2000[0].

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_of_Investigatory_Po...

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

#90
post #87
post #85

I'm confused. I thought iCloud was end-to-end encrypted anyway, and I've never heard of ADP before. Is ADP encryption at rest , whereas normal iCloud storage is only encrypted from the device to the server?

The only difference is Apple doesn't hold the encryption keys when you use ADP. In both cases it's encrypted in transit and at rest.

TIL that Apple holds the keys to my iCloud encrypted data!
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