When Google announced last year that its next version of Android devices would be encrypted by default, the initiative was roundly applauded, especially by privacy advocates.
Now, however, the company is backpedaling on its word, with some of the first Lollipop phones from Android partners not coming with fully functioning encryption. In a statement to Engadget, the company explained that the policy change came from issues of devices not working smoothly with encryption enabled.
"In September, we announced that all new Android Lollipop devices would be encrypted by default,” the company said. “Due to performance issues on some Android partner devices we are not yet at encryption by default on every new Lollipop device.”
It added that its new Nexus devices are encrypted by default and Android users, Jelly Bean and above, can enable encryption through their settings.
