Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row

Apple is removing its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature for UK customers after the UK government demanded access to user data that even Apple cannot currently see. The Home Office issued the request under the Investigatory Powers Act, and Apple said it was "gravely disappointed" and that it has never built a backdoor and never will. From 1500 GMT on Friday, UK users trying to turn on ADP receive an error message, and existing users' access will be disabled at a later date. Critics including Senator Ron Wyden and privacy experts called the move a precedent that threatens privacy, while the NSPCC urged Apple to add child safety measures.