Apple will check public iCloud links for harmful content in its 27.3 updates
Apple says items shared through the “Anyone with the Link” option in iCloud Photos and iCloud Drive will be checked for harmful content in iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS 27.3. The company says those items are not end-to-end encrypted, even with Advanced Data Protection enabled, and it may remove flagged content, disable accounts or involve law enforcement.
Bottom line — Apple’s 27.3 updates are expected in December; the company has not defined “harmful content” or explained how checks will work.
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Apple’s support document covers public links, not items shared with “People you choose” or sent as a copy.
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Apple says it can block a new account created with the same email address or phone number as an account it restricts.
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MacRumors reports that Apple has not said whether links created before the 27.3 updates will be checked.
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Apple’s support document does not specify whether checks are automated or involve human review.
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The Verge reports that the change follows calls for Apple to address child sexual abuse material in iCloud.
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iDrop News notes that Apple abandoned a plan to scan iCloud Photos for known child sexual abuse material after privacy criticism.
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