Observed Signal · Dec 8, 2022 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Apple launches Advanced Data Protection with end-to-end encryption
Apple announced Advanced Data Protection, expanding end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to a broader set of iCloud data. The expansion covers 23 protected data types, up from 14, including Messages in iCloud, Photos, device backups, iCloud Drive, Notes, Reminders, Safari bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, Voice Memos, and Wallet passes. Activation is initially opt-in, with users required to set up a recovery key or designate a recovery contact. Apple states that no one, not even Apple, can decrypt data once protection is enabled; recovery is possible only via trusted devices or the recovery mechanism. Ivan Krstić, Apple’s Head of Security Engineering and Architecture, calls Advanced Data Protection the highest level of cloud data security. The feature appears in the latest iOS 16.2 beta and is slated to roll out in the US by late 2022, with global expansion planned for early 2023. The article cites 9to5Mac and OnlineMarketing.de.
Major platform release of a high-profile privacy/security feature by Apple; high relevance to AdTech privacy and data governance.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Apple expands Advanced Data Protection to 23 data categories in iCloud.
- Data types include Messages in iCloud, Photos, device backups, iCloud Drive, Notes, Reminders, Safari bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, Voice Memos, and Wallet passes.
- Activation is opt-in; users must set up a recovery key or recovery contact.
- Rollout begins in the US by end-2022 with global expansion planned for early 2023; introduced in iOS 16.2 beta.
- Ivan Krstić described Advanced Data Protection as Apple's highest level of cloud data security.
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