[init2null]

That's true with iCloud Backup specifically, not iCloud. But unsecured notes and photos don't fall under the encryption umbrella, so syncing those means you lose privacy. Even syncing messages is safe, since messages are shared with your private encryption key. iCloud Backup and photo syncing are pretty much the bones thrown to US law enforcement.

[sneak]

iCloud Backup is on by default. Approximately nobody uses iCloud without using iCloud Backup.

[tinus_hn]

Approximately plenty of people use the free plan that has nowhere near enough space for backing up a modern phone.

[surewe]

> Even syncing messages is safe, since messages are shared with your private encryption key.

Do you mean the syncing of messages between logged in devices via the normal iMessage delivery mechanism (which I know is encrypted), or the "Messages in iCloud" feature?