Find My offline finding enables AirTags to be located through a network of Apple devices when separated from their paired device. The system uses public/private key encryption for secure location reporting, with nearby Apple devices acting as anonymous finders to relay encrypted location data through Apple Cloud.
The UK government has ordered Apple to implement encryption backdoors in iCloud, leading Apple to remove Advanced Data Protection for UK users. This decision represents a significant threat to global digital privacy and security, following a pattern of governments attempting to weaken encryption worldwide. The situation exemplifies ongoing challenges in balancing national security with individual privacy rights.
Apple has withdrawn its Advanced Data Protection iCloud feature from the UK after government demands for backdoor access to encrypted user data worldwide. The UK's request came through a technical capability notice under the Investigatory Powers Act, requiring Apple to create a global backdoor for British security officials. Existing ADP users will need to manually disable the feature during a grace period to maintain their iCloud accounts.
The UK government secretly ordered Apple to create a universal backdoor for accessing encrypted user data worldwide, challenging Apple's Advanced Data Protection system. Apple may cease offering encrypted storage in the UK rather than compromise global user security, as the order demands unprecedented access to encrypted content across all countries.
UK security officials have ordered Apple to create a backdoor for accessing encrypted cloud backups of all Apple users globally, challenging the company's privacy commitments and potentially setting a significant precedent for digital privacy.