Confirmation Test: Created a 100MB file with random data: dd if=/dev/urandom of=randomfile.dat bs=1m count=100 Uploaded to iCloud: took 2-3 minutes, Activity Monitor showed 122MB sent (correct) Deleted the file from iCloud Drive "Permanently deleted" from Recently Deleted and emptied any files from Data recovery. Re-uploaded the identical file: completed in 1 second Activity Monitor: essentially zero data sent
Apple kept the encrypted blocks even after "permanent deletion."
The month-long test (in progress): I'm keeping the random file and will attempt to re-upload it after 30+ days to see if Apple purges data on any schedule, or retains it indefinitely.
Why this matters: ADP is marketed as giving users exclusive control over their data "Delete" and "Permanent Delete" options imply data removal Upload progress bars show fake "uploading" status for deduplication operations Users cannot verify what data Apple retains. To attempt permanent deletion, you must disable ADP web access
What's unclear: Does this apply to Health data, Passwords, and other ADP-protected content? How long does Apple retain "deleted" encrypted blocks? Can users ever truly remove their data?
I'm not claiming the encryption is weak—it's probably fine. But Apple's lack of transparency about data retention and deduplication with ADP is concerning. "Permanent delete" should mean permanent delete. Has anyone else noticed this behavior? I'll update this post after completing the 30-day retention test.
plasticsoprano•52m ago
If it’s still there at a month I’d be surprised and be checking terms of service to see what they commit to.
dangus•46m ago
Remember that Apple’s typical customer is non-technical. Keeping files in case of a catastrophic deletion is safer for their customers.
They want to give the person who calls them up and says “I deleted all my family photos 31 days ago!” A good experience.