Apple has confirmed it is withdrawing a key data protection feature following the government's demands to access the data but what does that mean for you?

Advanced Data Protection (ADP) protects data stored on the iCloud with end-to-end encryption, which means the data can only be seen by the user who owns it, and only on their trusted devices.

Until now, this has meant that no one else can access your data - not even Apple and this data remains secure even in the case of a data breach in the cloud.

However, Apple has now removed ADP as a feature for new users in the UK, in response to a request from the Government.

Earlier this month, the Government demanded access to encrypted data stored by Apple users in its cloud service.

The demand was served by the Home Office under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which compels firms to provide information to law enforcement agencies.

At the time, Apple declined to comment, but pointed out on its website that it views privacy as a 'fundamental human right'.

If you use an iPhone, here's what the change means for you and your private data.

What is Advanced Data Protection? 

Advanced Data Protection (ADP) is Apple's highest level of cloud data security, and is designed to protect your data using end-to-end encryption.

For years, Apple has promoted the privacy settings it provides its users as standard, as well as offering users an additional, opt-in, Advanced Data Protection tool to fully encrypt a wider range of their data in its iCloud service. 

It means that only account holders can view items such as photos or documents they have stored online through a process known as end-to-end encryption.

Until now, no one else can access your data - not even Apple, and this data remains secure even in the case of a data breach in the cloud.