Urgent warning to iPhone users after Apple removes major security protection tool in UK

A security row has erupted after Apple decided to pull the highest level of data security tools, after the UK government asked for the right to access the data.

Advanced Data Protection (ADP) is a tool which protects your data stored in the iCloud with end-to-end encryption. The tool means only the user who owns it can see the data, such as pictures and documents, and not even Apple can see them.

Before you think of upgrading to a new phone or making a switch from Android, be aware that new customers in the UK will no longer have access to the advanced security settings immediately, with many fearing the change will open a back door to bad actors.

An Apple spokesperson said: "Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the United Kingdom to new users and current UK users will eventually need to disable this security feature."

"We are gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our customers in the UK given the continuing rise of data breaches and other threats to customer privacy."

It will still remain available outside of the UK.

So in real terms, what do these changes mean for iPhone users? Data that falls under standard data protection will now be accessible by Apple and also shareable with law enforcement if they have a warrant.

iPhone users are going to be left in the lurch after security changes in the UK (Getty Stock Images)

The removal of ADP doesn't affect the 14 iCloud data categories that are end-to-end encrypted by default. This includes services like iMessage and FaceTime, iCloud Keychain and Health.

The areas to be concerned about are the nine iCloud categories which now only fall under Standard Data Protection.

These nine categories are iCloud Backup, iCloud Drive, Photos, Notes, Reminders, Safari Bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, Voice Memos, Wallet Passes, and Freeform, which will now no longer have an option for end-to-end encryption.

Until these changes, nobody else could access your data, not even Apple.

The government had requested access and for the changes to be made.

The Apple spokesperson explained: "Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before."

"Apple remains committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their personal data and are hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the United Kingdom.

"As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will."

The Apple website explains: "Standard data protection is the default setting for your account. Your iCloud data is encrypted in transit and stored in an encrypted format at rest.

"The encryption keys from your trusted devices are secured in Apple data centres, so Apple can decrypt your data on your behalf whenever you need it, such as when you sign in on a new device, restore from a backup or recover your data after you've forgotten your password.

"As long as you can sign in to your Apple Account successfully, you can access your backups, photos, documents, notes and more."

The UK government had demanded access to data (Getty Stock Images)

Will Cathcart is the head of WhatsApp, and he shared his concerns over the government's request.

He wrote: "If the UK forces a global backdoor into Apple's security, it will make everyone in every country less safe. One country's secret order risks putting all of us in danger and it should be stopped."

The decision means Apple can no longer offer ADP to new users from today, and they will be providing guidance to existing users and customers in the UK soon.

The level of security means Apple cannot just disable ADP automatically.

Users will instead be given a window of time to disable the function themselves in order to be able to keep accessing their iCloud account.

The tech giant is unable to disable ADP automatically, and instead, you'll be given a period of time to disable it yourself in order to keep using your iCloud account. Since it was an opt-in tool, you won't have it enabled if you haven't chosen to do so.

Outside of the UK, ADP continues to be available everywhere.

The change comes after the UK Government demanded to be given access to encrypted data stored by Apple in the cloud service, and the demand for access came from the Home Office under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA).

The act forces companies to provide information to law enforcement agencies.

If there are any apps that you are concerned about being left unsecured within an iCloud backup, you should disable these from within your iCloud settings.