Apple is known for its strict data protection practices, but the company has been forced to downgrade its security in the UK.

Any UK users who have not already enabled its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) encryption will now lose the opportunity to do so. For those already using ADP, Apple will provide further guidance shortly.

ADP is a security feature that protects iCloud data with full-range encryption, meaning that only the user has access to their information on their trusted devices. Without this feature, nine categories of iCloud data – including backups, photos, notes and voicemails – will be subject to the less protected standard encryption.

However, Apple emphasises that 14 categories of iCloud data, including iCloud Keychain and health information, will continue to be protected with full end-to-end encryption. In addition, the encryption of messaging services such as iMessage and FaceTime, which remain encrypted globally, even in the UK, is not affected.

Apple expresses great disappointment that ADP can no longer be offered in the UK, especially given the increase in data breaches and other security threats.

“We are gravely disappointed that the protection provided by ADP will no longer be available to our customers in the UK. Strengthening the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more important than ever. Apple remains committed to providing our users with the highest level of security for their personal data and we hope to do so in the UK in the future.”

Furthermore, Apple emphasises that it has never created, and will never create, any backdoors or “master keys” to its products and services.

For UK users who already have ADP enabled, Apple will provide further guidance on how to proceed. Apple cannot automatically switch off the feature, but users will need to disable it themselves within a certain timeframe to continue using their iCloud accounts.

In the rest of the world, ADP will remain available as before.