UK-based Apple users are no longer able to access Advanced Data Protection (ADP), a powerful data protection tool, as initially reported by Bloomberg. This feature enables iPhone users to add optional end-to-end encryption to various iCloud data. The decision comes amid an ongoing dispute between Apple and the UK government over a government order that requires the company to create a backdoor, allowing British security officials to access encrypted user data globally.

“ADP protects iCloud data with end-to-end encryption, meaning the data can only be decrypted by the owner and only on their trusted devices,” Apple explained to Engadget. “We are deeply disappointed that ADP’s protections will not be available to our UK customers, given the rising threats to customer privacy and data breaches.”

When attempting to enable ADP on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac, users are now informed that “Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the United Kingdom to new users.” Existing UK users with ADP enabled must manually disable the encryption to maintain their iCloud account. Apple has announced a grace period for customers to comply, although the duration is yet to be specified. The company will provide additional guidance in the future. Due to the nature of end-to-end encryption, Apple cannot automatically disable ADP on behalf of its users.

The removal of ADP in the UK does not imply that Apple is eliminating end-to-end encryption for its other services in the country. iMessage, passwords, health data, and more remain protected by end-to-end encryption by default.

“Enhancing cloud storage security with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever,” Apple stated. “We remain committed to offering the highest level of security for our users’ personal data and hope to do so in the UK in the future. As we have always said, we have never built a backdoor or master key to our products or services and never will.”

News of the UK’s backdoor request emerged last week when The Washington Post reported that government officials issued a “technical capability notice” to Apple under the Investigatory Powers Act. Last year, the UK government amended the law to ensure intelligence services and law enforcement have the necessary powers to address evolving threats. The order allegedly demands that Apple provide security officials with the capability to access all fully encrypted material whenever and wherever the government wants.