privacy

Time to Start de-Appling

,

Apple is withdrawing its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature from the UK due to the Investigatory Powers Act, affecting user data encryption in iCloud. Users must manually disable ADP or risk losing iCloud access. Those relying on end-to-end encryption should move their data off iCloud immediately, exploring secure alternatives like Proton or Standard Notes. This situation highlights broader concerns about privacy and surveillance, particularly for UK citizens, amidst governmental overreach.

https://heatherburns.tech/2025/11/10/time-to-start-de-appling/

Breaking Down Why Apple TVs Are Privacy Advocates’ Go-to Streaming Device

Apple TVs are favored by privacy advocates for their superior privacy features compared to other streaming devices. They disable tracking options like Siri and location services during setup and require third-party apps to ask permission for tracking. Apple collects data in a way that anonymizes users' identities, but using an Apple account expands data collection. The Apple TV app tracks user interactions for content recommendations, which can be disabled but isn’t set to off by default. While Apple currently prioritizes privacy, its increasing interest in advertising raises concerns about potential changes in data practices. Overall, Apple TVs offer greater privacy, though users should remain vigilant about data sharing.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/06/all-the-ways-apple-tv-boxes-do-and-mostly-dont-track-you/

UK Residents: How to Stop the Government Spying on Your Data

,

UK iCloud Alternatives: With Apple rolling back Advanced Data Protection in the UK, iCloud data may be vulnerable to government access. Users seeking privacy must switch from iCloud for backups and syncing. Steps include disabling Advanced Data Protection, turning off iCloud Photos, backing up data to a computer, and finding secure alternatives for email and storage, like Proton Mail and Ente. Be cautious, as similar privacy threats may arise globally.

https://www.cultofmac.com/how-to/icloud-alternative

Scroll to Top