Here's the description I have. Your data on your iPhone, iPad, or to her iOS device is encrypted. When it is backed up to the iCloud, it is still encrypted. Apple does not have your encryption key, so they cannot see decipher it.
The data when they receive it is anonymized with a code assigned to you, split into four parts, combined with other data from other iCloud users, and then RE-ENCRYPTED again to a 256 bit AES standard to which Apple DOES have the key. When you need your data, it is decrypted, extracted from the combined packages, recombined, and then downloaded back to you in its still encrypted form, where you can decipher it with your key.
If the Authorities request anything with a search warrant on what you've stored in your iCloud, Apple will dutifully collect what they have from you and hand them a copy of your data file in the encrypted form. In other words, a large file of gobble-de-gook they can spend eons trying to decipher, because they don't have your key.
If you are using one of the older iOS versions there will be some clear text, pictures, and email in your account the would have to hand over, but less than 10% of Apple customers are till on those antique operating systems.
Does this answer your question?
Yes, amazing. And thank god someone cares about this enough in a control freak government world.
I am not swayed by the argument that someone who floods the country with terrorists, is also needing to look at all my data to keep me safe.
You don’t get to create the danger, and then tell me what I must do to help you protect me from the danger you are still creating.
That is straight Mafia.
And that is an elegant solution. For extra credit right now, they have they guys number, they already know every single number he called and can knock on doors and deport who needs it. I bet half of them have jihadi crap on their facebook page.